"My only son Fritz is finishing his education at the university of Wurzburg.He has,I regret to say,formed an attachment to a young woman,the daughter of a doctor at Wurzburg,who has recently died.I believe the girl to be a perfectly reputable and virtuous young person.But her father has not only left her in poverty,he has done worse--he has died in debt.Besides this,her mother's character does not stand high in the town.It is said,among other things,that her extravagance is mainly answerable for her late husband's debts.Under these circumstances,Iwish to break off the connection while the two young people are separated for the time by the event of the doctor's recent death.Fritz has given up the idea of entering the medical profession,and has accepted my proposal that he shall succeed me in our business.I have decided on sending him to London,to learn something of commercial affairs,at headquarters,in your office.
"My son obeys me reluctantly;but he is a good and dutiful lad--and he yields to his father's wishes.You may expect him in a day or two after receipt of these lines.Oblige me by making a little opening for him in one of your official departments,and by keeping him as much as possible under your own eye,until I can venture on communicating directly with Mrs.Wagner--to whom pray convey the expression of my most sincere and respectful sympathy."My aunt handed back the letter."Has the young man arrived yet?"she asked.
"He arrived yesterday,madam."
"And have you found some employment for him?""I have ventured to place him in our corresponding department,the head-clerk answered."For the present he will assist in copying letters;and,after business-hours,he will have a room (until further orders)in my house.I hope you think I have done right,madam?""You have done admirably,Mr.Hartrey.At the same time,I will relieve you of some of the responsibility.No grief of mine shall interfere with my duty to my husband's partner.I will speak to the young man myself.
Bring him here this evening,after business-hours.And don't leave us just yet;I want to put a question to you relating to my husband's affairs,in which I am deeply interested."Mr.Hartrey returned to his chair.After a momentary hesitation,my aunt put her question in terms which took us all three by surprise.
CHAPTER III
"My husband was connected with many charitable institutions,"the widow began."Am I right in believing that he was one of the governors of Bethlehem Hospital?"At this reference to the famous asylum for insane persons,popularly known among the inhabitants of London as "Bedlam,"I saw the lawyer start,and exchange a look with the head-clerk.Mr.Hartrey answered with evident reluctance;he said,"Quite right,madam"--and said no more.The lawyer,being the bolder man of the two,added a word of warning,addressed directly to my aunt.
"I venture to suggest,"he said,"that there are circumstances connected with the late Mr.Wagner's position at the Hospital,which make it desirable not to pursue the subject any farther.Mr.Hartrey will confirm what I say,when I tell you that Mr.Wagner's proposals for a reformation in the treatment of the patients--""Were the proposals of a merciful man,"my aunt interposed "who abhorred cruelty in all its forms,and who held the torturing of the poor mad patients by whips and chains to be an outrage on humanity.I entirely agree with him.Though I am only a woman,I will not let the matter drop.
I shall go to the Hospital on Monday morning next--and my business with you to-day is to request that you will accompany me.""In what capacity am I to have the honor of accompanying you?"the lawyer asked,in his coldest manner.