Chapter 11

IN WHICH JACK TAKES UP THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT, AND PROVES THAT HE CAN ARGUE AS WELL ON ONE SIDE AS THE OTHER

This scene may give some idea of the state of Mr. Easy’s household upon our hero’s arrival. The poor lunatic, for such we must call him, was at the mercy of his servants, who robbed, laughed at, and neglected him. The waste and expense were enormous. Our hero, who found how matters stood, went to bed, and lay the best part of the night revolving what to do. He determined to send for Dr. Middleton and consult him.

The next morning Jack rose early; Mesty was in the room, with warm water, as soon as he rang.

“By de power, Massa Easy, your fader very silly old man.”

“I’m afraid so,” replied Jack.

“He not right here,” observed Mesty, putting his fingers to his head.

Jack sighed, and desired Mesty to send one of the grooms up to the door. When the man knocked he desired him to mount a horse and ride over to Dr. Middleton, and request his immediate attendance.

The man, who was really a good servant, replied, “Yes, sir,” very respectfully, and hastened away.

Jack went down to breakfast and found it all ready, but his father was not in the room: he went to his study, and found him occupied with a carpenter who was making a sort of a frame as the model of the platform or dais to be raised under the wonderful invention. Mr. Easy was so busy that he could not come to breakfast, so Jack took his alone. An hour after this, Dr. Middleton’s carriage drove up to the door. The Doctor heartily greeted our hero.

“My dear sir— for so I suppose I must now call you — I am heartily glad that you have returned. I can assure you that it is not a moment too soon.”

“I have found out that already, Doctor,” replied Jack: “sit down. Have you breakfasted?”

“No, I have not: for I was so anxious to see you that I ordered my carriage at once.”

“Then sit down, Doctor, and we will talk over matters quietly.”

“You, of course, perceive the state of your father. He has been some time quite unfit to manage his own affairs.”

“So I am afraid.”

“What do you intend to do then— put them in the hands of trustees?”

“I will be trustee for myself, Dr. Middleton. I could not do the other without submitting my poor father to a process, and confinement, which I cannot think of.”

“I can assure you that there are not many in Bedlam worse than he is; but I perfectly agree with you, that is, if he will consent to your taking charge of the property.”

“A power of attorney will be all that is requisite,” replied Jack; “that is, as soon as I have rid the house of the set of miscreants who are in it, and who are now in open mutiny.”

“I think,” replied the Doctor, “that you will have some trouble. You know the character of the butler.”

“Yes, I have it from my father’s own mouth. I really should take it as a great favour, Dr. Middleton, if you could stay here a day or two. I know that you have retired from practice.”


  By PanEris using Melati.

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