olleague, Dr. Bright, late of the State Insane Asylum. He is, of
course, an expert in cases of insanity. His report will have more weight
than mine in regard to her case. But I tell you this in confidence. I
ought really not to give any sort of opinion to any one at this point of
the investigation."

And with a friendly shaking of hands and a polite bow, Dr. Hart went
below.

A few minutes passed, and Dr. Bright, who was a stranger to Mr. Berners,
came up and passed to the door of the cell, which was opened for him by
the turnkey in attendance.

The "mad doctor," as he was popularly called, remained more than an hour
shut up with his patient.

At length he came out, bowed to the lady and gentleman that he saw
waiting in the corridor, and went down stairs.

Mr. Berners would have given much for the privilege of questioning the
"mad doctor;" but as such a privilege could not be obtained at any
price, he was forced to bear his suspense as well as he could.

In a few moments Dr. Bright was succeeded by Dr. Wiseman, the least
important of the three medical examiners.

He saw Mr. Berners, came right up to him and grasped his two hands with
both his own, and with the tears springing to his eyes, exclaimed:

"I hope to heaven our examination of this lady may eventuate in her
release from captivity."

There was something in the delicacy of the physician's words, as well as
in the earnestness of his manner, that deeply affected Sybil's husband.
He pressed the young doctor's hands as he replied:

"I thank you very much for your earnest sympathy; and I need not say
how devoutly I join in your prayer that this investigation may terminate
in the release of my dear and most innocent wife."

The physician then passed into the cell, which was opened for his
admittance, and then closed as before.

A half hour went by, and he came out again.

"I do not know what conclusion my colleagues have come to, Mr. Berners;
but for myself, I do not think this lady is, or has been for some time,
a responsible agent," he said, in passing Sybil's anxious husband.

"You hold your consultation immediately?" inquired Mr. Berners.

"Yes, immediately, in the warden's private parlor, which Mr. Martin
offered for our use," answered Dr. Wiseman, as he bowed and went down
stairs.

Mr. Berners and Miss Pendleton were then permitted to return to Sybil's
cell, to remain with her while waiting the result of the physicians'
consultation.

They