It is the first time in a week that she has consented to receive visitors." I failed to feel the same elation over this possibly temporary improvement in his wife's condition, but I carefully refrained from betraying my doubts.

On the contrary, I took advantage of the moment to clear my mind of one of the many perplexities disturbing it.
"And I am glad of this opportunity to ask you what may seem a foolish, if not impertinent question.

The maid, Ellen, in showing me my room, was very careful to assure me that she slept near me and would let me into her room in case I experienced any alarm in the night; and when I showed surprise at her expecting me to feel alarm of any kind in a house full of people, made the remark, 'I guess you do not know about this house.' Will you pardon me if I ask if there is anything I don't know, and should know, about the home your suffering wife inhabits?
A problem such as you have given me to solve demands a thorough understanding of every cause capable of creating disturbance in a sensitive mind." The mayor's short laugh failed to hide his annoyance.

"You will find nothing in this direction," said he, "to account for the condition I have mentioned to you.

Mrs.Packard is utterly devoid of superstition.
That I made sure of before signing the lease of this old house.