"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.