"Oh, yes-- I forgot-- Charley's dead, too, isn't he? Ah, times change. You know, I miss the music--and the lights--the low-neck dresses and the popping of corks, but I'll tell you a funny thing, sir. The guests act more human-like here. Yes, they're more human. They don't blame one for everything. If the cooking goes wrong they roast the cook, and when they get their bills the cashier gets hell--not me. This place isn't as black as it's painted. The only thing is, when they drink champagne at Christmas and New Years they drink it out of tumblers. That's bad, isn't it--that's awful bad!" Shaking his head, he toddled out of the office. Tod took out a cigarette and lighted it. His mother had been gone a long time. He wondered what was keeping her and what Paula said to her. Suddenly the ward door opened and Mrs. Marsh reappeared, her manner greatly agitated. "Oh, Tod!" she exclaimed excitedly, "we must get her out of this place at once. The poor girl is nearly frightened to death! She should never have been sent here. It's an outrage. She is perfectly rational. She's just nervous and afraid--that's all!" "Of course, she's all right!" retorted Tod. "We've known that right along." "Yes," said his mother contritely, "we should have taken care of her from the first, and not let her go among strangers. It's your stepfather's fault." "Well, what can we do to mend matters?" demanded Tod, with some impatience. "The poor girl begged me so hard to take her to the hotel with me. I'm so upset I---- When does her case come up?" "In about a week," replied Tod doggedly, "and until then I'm going to stay right here every minute of the time." "Supposing I speak to Dr. McMutrie?" suggested his mother. Tod shook his head. "There's some legal process to go through. We have to get the consent of the person who placed her here. Cooley and Jimmy alone can do it. They must! We'll make them----" "Hush!" cried his mother warningly. "Here's your stepfather." James Marsh appeared at the top of the staircase, and after glancing furtively around, as if to make sure that his wife and stepson were alone, he slowly descended and came toward where they were standing. He was pale and his manner was greatly agitated. Deep lines furrowed his face as if he had passed nights without sleep. He must have been aware that his wife and stepson were in the asylum, for he evinced no surprise at seeing them. On the contrary, he seemed relieved. Advancing quickly he held out his hand to his wife: "Amelia!" he exclaimed imploringly. "Don't address me!" said Mrs. Marsh indignantly. "Don't come near me, you----" "Amelia!" he repeated. "What do you want here?" she demanded. "There's a preliminary examination before the trial. Mr. Cooley and I have to be present. But what has that to do with it? I want you to come back to me." "No!" she said positively. "Do you mean to say you've left me for good?" "I do! I won't listen to you while that girl remains in this dreadful place!"