Of course it was only once in a while that "They" got a chance, for Aunt Amy was very clever in providing no opportunities.

More than once had she outwitted "Them." Still, one must be always upon one's guard! From this harrowing delusion the doctor had done much to deliver her, indeed she had become more normal in every way under his care.

It was only now, a year after his death, that Esther imagined sometimes that there was a slipping back-- The ill effects of sitting at a round table, for instance?
It was a long time since this particular fancy had been spoken of and Esther had considered it gone altogether.

Yet here it was, cropping out again and just at a time when other problems threatened.

Things seemed determined to be difficult to-day.
The fact was that Esther was suffering from the need of a confidant.
Really worried as she felt about her step-mother's health, the burden of taking any determined action against the wishes of the patient herself was a serious one for a young girl.