ited in my bosom a feeling of mingled respect, interest, and
admiration.

I had heard, at Paris, that the institution of Monsieur Maillard was
managed upon what is vulgarly termed the "system of soothing"--that
all punishments were avoided--that even confinement was seldom resorted
to--that the patients, while secretly watched, were left much apparent
liberty, and that most of them were permitted to roam about the house
and grounds in the ordinary apparel of persons in right mind.

Keeping these impressions in view, I was cautious in what I said before
the young lady; for I could not be sure that she was sane; and, in fact,
there was a certain restless brilliancy about her eyes which half led
me to imagine she was not. I confined my remarks, therefore, to general
topics, and to such as I thought would not be displeasing or exciting
even to a lunatic. She replied in a perfectly rational manner to all
that I said; and even her original observations were marked with the
soundest good sense, but a long acquaintance with the metaphysics of
mania, had taught me to put no faith in such evidence of sanity, and I
continued to practise, throughout the interview, the caution with which
I commenced it.

Presently a smart footman in livery brought in a tray with fruit, wine,
and other refreshments, of which I partook, the lady soon afterward
leaving the room. As she departed I turned my eyes in an inquiring
manner toward my host.

"No," he said, "oh, no--a member of my family--my niece, and a most
accomplished woman."

"I beg a thousand pardons for the suspicion," I replied, "but of course
you will know how to excuse me. The excellent administration of
your affairs here is well understood in Paris, and I thought it just
possible, you know--

"Yes, yes--say no more--or rather it is myself who should thank you for
the commendable prudence you have displayed. We seldom find so much of
forethought in young men; and, more than once, some unhappy contre-temps
has occurred in consequence of thoughtlessness on the part of our
visitors. While my former system was in operation, and my patients were
permitted the privilege of roaming to and fro at will, they were often
aroused to a dangerous frenzy by injudicious persons who called to
inspect the house. Hence I was obliged to enforce a rigid system
of exclusion; and none obtained access to the premises upon whose
discretion I could not rely."

"While your former system was in operatio