To tell why she wears that habit, or does any thing else, would be rather beyond doctor's skill.

Truth is, I have always thought she was a little--a very little--touched--call it nerves--hypochondria--or what you will." "Lord help us, puir thing!" said the compassionate widow.--"And troth it looks like it.

But it's a shame to let her go loose, Doctor--she might hurt hersell, or somebody.

See, she has ta'en the knife!--O, it's only to cut a shave of the diet-loaf.

She winna let the powder-monkey of a boy help her.