Page:Richard Marsh--The goddess a demon.djvu/58

46 "No, sir, not a word. I looked at her linen when she was in bed, and it's marked 'E.M.’"

"‘E.M'?"

"Yes, sir, 'E.M.' And there's a purse in her pocket with eighteen shillings; but that's all—no cards or anything, I was wondering if you wouldn't like Dr. Hume to see her. He's a clever gentleman, and might find out what's wrong with her; because, as I've said, that there's something wrong I'm sure."

I turned my back, being unwilling to let the woman see how strongly her reference to Hume had moved me. The idea that that man should have an opportunity to play any of the pranks, which he pretended were experiments, made in the interests of science, upon that helpless girl, made my blood boil.

"I don't think we will trouble Dr. Hume just yet, Mrs. Peddar."

"Very good, sir. I don't believe myself in doctors—not as a general rule; it's their bill they're thinking of, and not you, most of the time; but the young lady's seems such a curious case, and Dr. Hume has the reputation of being so clever, that I thought I'd just mention it."

"It's very kind of you, Mrs. Peddar. I cannot tell you how obliged I am to you for the interest you are taking in the matter; but then I know your good heart. Will you inform the young lady