human
My wife and I have not been living together lately,
gpt
Indeed!
human
Yes, Crichton hesitated--it is so difficult to invent a plausible story on the spur of the moment.
gpt
In fact, I met her quite unexpectedly in Newhaven.
human
In Newhaven?
gpt
Yes. I have just arrived from France, continued Crichton more fluently. An idea was shaping itself in his mind.
human
I was most astonished to meet my wife in England as I had been looking for her in Paris for the last week.
gpt
I don't understand.
human
My wife is unfortunately mentally unbalanced. For the last few months she has been confined in an asylum.
gpt
Where was this asylum?
human
In France.
gpt
Yes, but where? France is a big place.
human
It is called Charleroi and is about thirty miles from Paris in the direction of Fontainebleau.
gpt
Who is the director of this institution?
human
Dr. Leon Monet.
gpt
And you suggest that it was there that she was ill-treated. Let me tell you----
human
I suggest no such thing. My wife escaped from Charleroi over a week ago. We know she went to Paris, but there we lost all trace of her. Imagine my astonishment at finding her on the train this morning. How she got there, I can't think. She seemed very much agitated, but I attributed that to my presence. I have lately had a most unfortunate effect upon her. I did ask her how she got the bruise on her cheek, but she wouldn't tell me. I had no idea she was suffering. If I had been guilty of the condition she is in, is it likely that I should have brought her to a man of your reputation and character? I think that alone proves my innocence.
gpt
You say that the physician under whose care your wife has been is called Monet?
human
Yes, Leon Monet.
gpt
I have just verified your statement in a French medical directory and I must apologise to you for having jumped at conclusions in the way I did. Pray, forgive me----
human
Now as to-- Cyril hesitated a moment; he detested calling the girl by his name.
gpt
Now--as to--to--the patient. Have you any idea when she is likely to recover consciousness?
human
Not the faintest. Of course, what you tell me of her mental condition increases the seriousness of the case. With hysterical cases anything and everything is possible.
gpt
But you do not fear the--worst.
human
Certainly not. She is young. She will receive the best of care. I see no reason why she should not recover. Now if you would like to remain near her----
gpt
I shall, of course, remain near her, Cyril interrupted hastily.
human
I have taken lodgings in Half Moon Street and shall stay there till she has completely recovered. As she has lately shown the most violent dislike of me, I think I had better not attempt to see her for the present. Don't you agree with me?
gpt
Certainly. I should not permit it under the circumstances.
human
I shall call daily to find out how she is, and if there is any change in her condition, you will, of course, notify me at once. Crichton took out a card and scribbled his address on it.
gpt
This will always find me. And now I have a rather delicate request to make. Would you mind not letting any one know the identity of your patient? You see I have every hope that she will eventually recover her reason and therefore I wish her malady to be kept a secret. I have told my friends that my wife is in the south of France undergoing a species of rest cure.
human
I think you are very wise. I shall not mention her name to any one.
gpt
But the nurses?
human
It is a rule of all nursing homes that a patient's name is never to be mentioned to an outsider. But if you wish to take extra precautions, you might give her another name while she is here and they need never know that it is not her own.
gpt
Thank you. That is just what I should wish.
human
What do you think Mrs. Crichton had better be called?
gpt
Mrs. Peter Thompkins, and I will become Mr. Thompkins. Please address all communications to me under that name; otherwise the truth is sure to leak out.
human
But how will you arrange to get your mail?
gpt
Peter Thompkins is my valet, so that is quite simple.
human
Very well. Good-bye, Mr. Thompkins. I trust I shall soon have a better report to give you of Mrs. Thompkins.