"When we say," continued he, "that 'time' is the best physician for
them, we declare in one word our own ignorance of the malady; and
yet such is the simple truth! A course of years may restore her to
reason,--there is no other remedy."

"And her daughter?"

"That is not a case for apprehension,--it is a common fever, the result
of a nervous impression; a few days will bring her completely about."

I mentioned to the doctor my belief that Lizette could probably impart
some explanation of the mystery; but the old woman was proof against all
cross-examination, and professed to know nothing that could account
for her mistress's condition. The question was now how to act in this
emergency? and the doctor pronounced that there was no other course
than to obtain her admission into some _maison de sante_: if her fortune
permitted, to one of the better class; if not, there were various
humbler houses, where the patients were treated well and skilfully. As a
preliminary step, however, he requested me to write again to her family,
to state the opinion he had come to, and ask for their advice.

"It is little other than a form to do so," added he, "for we live in
times when the state is everything, family nothing. If I report this
case to-morrow to the Bureau of Health of the 'Quarter,' a commission
will assemble, examine, and decide upon it at once. The measures adopted
will be as imperatively executed as though the law were in pursuit of a
criminal; and though this be so, and we cannot help it, it will have
the semblance of consideration for the feelings of her relatives, if we
consult them."

He left me, therefore, to make this sad communication, and promised
to repeat his visit on the following day. By way of extorting some
confession from old Lizette, I told her the course the doctor had
resolved upon; but, far from exhibiting any repugnance to it, she
briefly said, "It was all for the best."

It was not till after repeated efforts I could satisfy myself with the
terms of my letter. The occasion itself was a difficult one; but my
sense of a mystery of which I knew nothing, added immensely to the
embarrassment. I was, moreover, addressing persons I had never seen,
and of whose very condition in life I was ignorant. This in itself was
a circumstance that required consideration. I thought I would read my
letter to Lizette, and sent for her to hear it. She listened attentively
as I read it, but made no other remark than, "Y