see what I mean?"

"Perfectly--I _think_. But I don't see how that will _entamer___ old
Mrs. Marrable. Won't the conversation end where it began?"

"I think not--not necessarily. I will forgive you if it does. Consider
that the apparent proof of delusion in my old lady's mind is that she
has told things about her childhood which are either _bona-fide_
recollections, or have been derived from the little boy...."

"Dave Wardle. So I understood from Widow Thrale. She has told me all the
things as they happened. In fact, I have been able to call in every day.
The case seemed very interesting as a case of delusion, because some of
the common characteristics were wanting. It loses that interest now,
certainly, but.... However, you were saying, when I interrupted?..."

"I was saying that unless these ideas could be traced to Dave Wardle,
they must have come out of Mrs. Prichard's own head. Is it not natural
that you should want to hear from Granny Marrable what she recollects
having said to the child?"

The doctor cogitated a moment, then gave a short staccato nod. "I see,"
said he, in a short staccato manner. "_Yes._ That might do something for
us. At any rate, I can try it.... I beg your pardon."

Gwen had just begun again, but paused as the doctor looked at his watch.
She continued:--"I cannot find anything that she might not have easily
said to a small boy. I wish I could. Her recollection of _not_ having
said anything won't be certainty. But even inquiring about what she
_doesn't_ recollect would give an opening. Did Mrs. Prichard say nothing
to you about her early life at the mill?"

"She said a good deal, because I encouraged her to talk, to convince
myself of her delusion.... Could I recollect some of it? I think so. Or
stay--I have my notes of the case." He produced a book. "Here we are.
'Mrs. Maisie Prichard, eighty-one. Has delusions. Thinks mill was her
father's. It was Widow Thrale's grandfather's. Knows horses Pitt and
Fox. Knows Muggeridge waggoner. Has names correct. Qy.:--from child
Wardle last year? M. was dismissed soon after. Asked try recollect what
for.' I am giving your ladyship the abbreviations as written."

"Quite right. Is there more?" For evidently there was. Gwen could see
the page.

"She remembered that he was dismissed for ... irregularity."

Gwen suspected suppression. "What sort? Did he drink? Let me see the
book. I won't read the other cases." And so all-powerful was beauty, or
the