xaminer. She seemed weak and looked
very pale. But her face brightened as soon as she caught sight of
friends.

"Good news, Miss Paula!" exclaimed Tod breathlessly. "You will scarcely
believe it."

Mrs. Marsh, who had hastily dried her eyes, rose and went towards her
niece with arms outstretched. "Paula!" she cried. "How we have wronged
you!"

"I thought she would be more comfortable with you," smiled Dr. McMutrie.
"I'm afraid the presence of we men of science rather disconcerts her."

Paula, who was now leaning on the arm of the supremely contented Tod,
smiled gratefully:

"You are very kind, doctor--I--thank you. It does oppress me when I see
so many people who are not--not kindly disposed. I'm glad to be
here--with my friends."

While Tod talked in an eager undertone with Paula, Dr. McMutrie took Mr.
Ricaby and Mrs. Marsh aside.

"The girl's all right," he said. "She's suffering from intense
nervousness, that's all! While we were questioning her Mr. Marsh came
into the room and took Mr. Cooley away--so I thought I'd bring her down
here until she's wanted. By the way, Mrs. Marsh, did you select Dr.
Zacharie to attend your niece?"

"No--I certainly did not!" she replied positively.

The examiner hesitated and coughed as if unwilling to express his frank
opinion of Mr. Cooley's physician.

"He is certainly a most peculiar man-- I--don't agree with him at all.
He's essentially too drastic, and I don't think he understands. Do you
know who did engage him?"

"Yes--I think----"

She stopped suddenly, seeing that Mr. Ricaby was signalling her to
remain silent.

"Well, I must get back," said Dr. McMutrie, rising. "You had better stay
here. I don't approve of your niece remaining at Tocquencke, Mrs. Marsh,
and I am going to say so. She ought never to have come----"

With a courteous bow to Mrs. Marsh and the others, he turned and left
the office.

"Did you tell him?" demanded Tod eagerly, when he was out of earshot.

"No," replied the lawyer quickly, "we'll tell no one. I don't want the
scoundrel to escape."

"I've told Miss Paula everything," said Tod gaily. Jokingly, he added:
"Would you believe it? She's sorry to leave Sea Rest!"

Paula laughed, a frank, girlish peal of merriment unclouded by care or
anxiety. It was the first laugh since she had come to the asylum, and
she was surprised how good it felt. Her eyes sparkled with new joy and
happiness. Thank God! Her troubles were at an end. Freedom wa