"Mrs. Johnson, I'm afraid you are wasting a lot of sympathy on this case. This patient was caught by her guardian at the Jersey City ferry, in the act of eloping. She's mad as a March hare. Her certificate is signed by three of the most eminent physicians in the country, and her application for release is opposed by the biggest lawyer in New York--Bascom Cooley. There is no question about her mental condition." Turning once more to his desk, he resumed dictating: "Report on Mr. Jeliffe's case----" The attendant still lingered. "Well, sir," she said hesitatingly, "will you send a telegram to Mr. Ricaby, her lawyer, asking him to come up." "He was here yesterday, wasn't he?" snapped the superintendent. "She is most anxious to see him," persisted the nurse. The superintendent frowned. This obstinacy was very annoying. Still, he dare not refuse such a simple request. "I'll see what Dr. Zacharie says," he said curtly. "His instructions were that she must not be excited or annoyed by visitors." "Very well, sir," said the nurse respectfully, as she went out again through the little door. The superintendent resumed his work. "Have you made out the report on Miss Marsh's case?" "Yes, sir." The stenographer was busy searching through a mass of papers when Collins reappeared. "Will you see Dr. Zacharie, sir?" inquired the old man. "Yes--show him in," replied the superintendent. Collins half opened the door and Dr. Zacharie entered, full of authority. Like most charlatans who find it necessary to deceive the world, the physician tried to cover up his shortcomings by noisy bluster. Advancing to the desk, his chest inflated with self-importance, he greeted Mr. Spencer in a patronizing tone: "Good morning, Mr. Spencer. Well, how is she to-day?" The superintendent shook his head, as if much discouraged. "Rather restless, I should say." Handing a paper to the physician, he added: "Here's the report." Dr. Zacharie took the report and hastily scanned it. "Ah, well!" he muttered, "it is to be expected." "Will you see her?" inquired the superintendent. "No; it--it is not necessary just yet. There is to be a consultation to-day. Dr. McMutrie and Professor Bodley will be here presently--also Mr. Cooley." "Her _habeas corpus_ comes up on Friday, I believe," said the superintendent politely. Mr. Spencer always made it a rule to stand in well with the visiting physicians. Dr. Zacharie frowned. "Yes, a jury of illiterate ignoramuses to decide a scientific question! Ah, such laws in this country!" He stopped and read aloud from the report: "Cries constantly--sits silent and moody for hours." Looking up, he said: "Poor girl, she--she seems to be conscious of her position at times--she talks much, eh?" At that moment old Collins reappeared. "Mr. Ricaby wishes to see Miss Marsh," he said. The superintendent made a gesture in the direction of the wards.