“I say,” said Mr. Shergold, “not the Ada Clotworthy Mental Institution? My father is one of the Governors. He had an old great-uncle who was quite dotty and left all his money to it. Father says it’s a first-rate place, only he’d rather old Uncle Tom had left his money to him.”
“The identical place,” said Mr. Bissell, “and I really cannot tell you how wonderfully little Edna is cared for. When I say little, she’s getting quite a big girl now, but mentally of course she will always remain the dear little girl we all remember.”
Sympathetic murmurs rose from the party all of whom, except Mr. Shergold, had known little Edna when her uncle and aunt were living in Maria Cottage and had been variously terrified or revolted by her.
“And they are so well fed,” said Mr. Bissell. “Their own cows a
