with him to the crooked landing, and he closed the door at my back.
''I think you should leave her with me,'' he said quietly, ''when they
go to her. I shall watch her, then; perhaps make her nervous. It keeps her too calm, having you always about her.''
I said, ''Don''t let them hurt her.''
''Hurt her?'' He almost laughed. ''These men are scoundrels. They like to keep their lunatics safe. They''d have them in fire-proof vaults if they could, like bullion; and so live off the income. They won''t hurt her. But they know their business, too, and a scandal would ruin them. My word is good, but they shall need to look at her and talk to her; and they shall also need to talk to you. You''ll know how to answer, of course.''
I made a face. ''Will I?'' I said.
He narrowed his eyes. ''Don''t make game of me, Sue. Not now we are so close. You''ll know what to say?''
I shrugged, still sulky. ''I think so.''
''Good girl. I shall bring them first to you.''
He made to put his hand upon me. I dodged it and stepped away. I went to my little room, and waited. The doctors came after a moment. Gentleman came with them, then closed the door and stood before it, his eyes on my face.
They were tall men, like him, and one of them was stout. They were dressed in black jackets and elastic boots. When they moved, the floor, the walls and the window gave a shudder. Only one of them—the thinner one—spoke; the other just watched. They made me a bow, and I curtseyed.