Now, I ask you, dear, in the name of common-sense, what conceivable danger could threaten you in this secluded neighbourhood, with the means of help so near?
You assure me that the peril is not connected with your father's health ?" "No, I am sure of that.

It is true that Dr.Easterling, of Stranraer.
has been over to see him once or twice, but that was merely for some small indisposition.

I can assure you that the danger is not to be looked for in that direction." "Then I can assure you," said I, laughing, "that there is no danger at all.

It must be some strange monomania or hallucination.

No other hypothesis will cover the facts." "Would my father's monomania account for the fact of my brother's hair turning grey and my mother wasting away to a mere shadow ?" "Undoubtedly," I answered, "The long continued worry of the general's restlessness and irritability would produce those effects on sensitive natures." "No, no!" said she, shaking her head sadly, "I have been exposed to his restlessness and irritability, but they have had no such effect upon me.