A Singular Metamorphosis

ing us. Did you in no way associate it with something happening the same year?"

"Dear Harold, when did anything so momentous take place?" Harold, reflecting on his inability to prepare Adelina, added:

"It was the year poor Ralph Bamford was taken ill. Have you never wondered where he has been since then?" As if to cover her confusion, he quickly added:

"But of course you have; your natural kindness would lead you to conjecture that far. His malady has never rendered him dangerous to those about him, hence he has remained a portion of each year with us; the rest of the time with a private family. It was through his ravings that we learned the circumstances you know so well--better than any. Since that time we have always had him with us the months when his sickness is at the worst. Once he caught a glimpse of you--the effect can readily be imagined. We have deemed it expedient to send you away to prevent similar attacks." Mr. Tracy had spoken rapidly, as if to eliminate the supposition tha