rpetually; and only through two entrances, and that when the
gates are open, can one gain a single glimpse inside: for the gates are
solid, with no chinks for the curious.

The country all round is undulating, and here and there from the crest of
an eminence you can see a great space of well-timbered park land within
this wall; and in winter, when the leaves are off the trees, you may spy
an imposing red-brick mansion in the midst.

Any native will inform you, with a mixture of infectious awe and becoming
pride, that this is no less than the far-famed private asylum of
Clankwood.

This ideal institution bore the enviable reputation of containing the
best-bred lunatics in England. It was credibly reported that however well
marked their symptoms and however well developed their delusions, none but
ladies and gentlemen of the most unblemished descent were permitted to
enjoy its seclusion. The dances there were universally considered the most
agreeable functions in the county. The conversation of many of the inmates
was of the widest range and the most refreshing originality, and the
demeanour of all, even when most free from the conventional trammels of
outside society, bore evidence of an expensive, and in some cases of a
Christian, upbringing. This is scarcely to be wondered at, when beneath
one roof were assembled the heirs-presumptive to three dukedoms, two
suicidal marquises, an odd archbishop or so, and the flower of the
baronetage and clergy. As this list only includes a few of the celebrities
able or willing to be introduced to distinguished visitors, and makes no
mention of the uncorroborated dignities (such as the classical divinities
and Old Testament duplicates), the anxiety shown by some people to certify
their relations can easily be understood.

Dr Congleton, the proprietor and physician of Clankwood, was a gentleman
singularly well fitted to act as host on the occasion of asylum reunions.
No one could exceed him in the respect he showed to a coroneted head, even
when cracked; and a bishop under his charge was always secured, as far as
possible, from the least whisper of heretical conversation. He possessed
besides a pleasant rubicund countenance and an immaculate wardrobe. He was
further fortunate in having in his assistants, Dr Escott and Dr Sherlaw,
two young gentlemen whose medical knowledge was almost equal to the
affability of their manners and the excellence of their family
connections.

One Nove