Louise introduced her uncle and herself in her most pleasant and
gracious way, and the school teacher led them to a garden bench and
begged them to be seated.
"The day is lovely," she said, "and I always find my garden more
cheerful than the house. Grandfather's illness makes the house
unpleasant for strangers, too."
Louise was surprised at this frank reference, and Uncle John coughed to
hide his embarrassment.
"I--I hope the invalid is--is improving," he said, doubtful whether he
should say anything on the delicate subject or not.
"He is always the same, sir," was the quiet response. "I suppose they
have told you that grandfather is a madman? Our great trouble is well
known in this neighborhood."
"He is not dangerous. I suppose?" hazarded Uncle John, remembering the
brutal bellowing.
"Oh, not at all. He is fully paralyzed from his waist down, poor
grandfather, and can do no harm to anyone. But often his outbreaks are
unpleasant to listen to," continued the girl, deprecatingly, as if
suddenly conscious that they had overheard the recent uproar.
"Has he been--this way--for long?" inquired Louise.
"His mind has been erratic and unbalanced since I can remember,"
answered Ethel, calmly, "but he first became violent at the time Captain
Wegg died, some three years ago.
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