strange, irrepressible desire to see the
child filled my mind.

Yielding to this intense feeling, I arranged my affairs, and taking a
coach, set off early in the morning for the train which would convey me
to Bristed Hall. To my astonishment I met Richard at the depot.
Overwhelmed with surprise at the encounter, and ashamed to confess my
intended journey, I made some petty excuse for being there, and returned
home again. Richard handed me into the cab, but excused himself from
accompanying me as he had a friend awaiting him.

That day, after luncheon, taking me aside he informed me that a noble
lord had placed in his charge a lad who was partially idiotic and sole
heir to an immense estate; that it was necessary he should have at his
disposal a room in the upper part of the building in which he could keep
him from observation, as it had been discovered the sight of strangers
increased the boy's malady, and perfect seclusion would be the only means
of restoring him to reason.

I immediately directed a servant to put in order one of the rooms in a
remote portion of the dwelling; this was done, and towards dusk Richard,
who had left the house, returned in a handsome coach with the poor,
helpless, deranged boy. From the window I saw them alight. A slight, tall
figure, wrapped in a cloak, descended from the coach. This undoubtedly
was the afflicted youth. He walked so feebly I should have hastened to
his assistance, but Richard's command that I should not permit him to
see strange faces withheld me.

However, I stood in the partly opened door, hoping I should be called. As
the muffled figure passed me on the way up the staircase I vainly sought
to catch a glimpse of the youth's face, but he turned neither to the
right nor left.

Richard, however, saw me and shook his head, indicating with an angry,
peremptory gesture, that I should withdraw.

For days I felt a strange curiosity about this youth, but as Richard gave
my inquisitiveness no food, and conducted his attentions to his charge in
an orderly, business-like manner, I dismissed the subject from my mind.

CHAPTER XVI.

Nothing new transpired the remainder of those autumn days. November was
now close upon us. About this time I remarked a sudden falling off of my
hitherto prosperous school. Determined to know the cause, I inquired of
one of my assistants, in whom I confided, if she was aware of the cause
of this decline. She hesitated to reply to my quest