FOR THE FLAG

24

In the afternoon, as he had arranged by letter, Count
d’Artigas presented himself at Healthful House, accom-
panied by Captain Spade, commander of the Edda.

In accordance with the orders given, they were instantly
admitted, and conducted to the presence of the Principal.
The latter gave the Count an effusive welcome, placed
himself at their service—for he would relegate to no inferior
the honour of being their cicerone, and Count d’Artigas
accepted the kind offer gratefully. They began by visiting
the general sitting-rooms and the private apartments.
The Principal dwelt upon the care bestowed on the sufferers
—far greater, if he were to be believed, than they could
have received in theirown homes; truly exceptional treat-
ment, he repeated, and its results had gained weil-merited
success for Healthful House.

Count d’Artigas listened in his usual phlegmatic way,
and appeared interested in the Principal’s inexhaustible
loquacity, probably the better to disguise the real object of
his visit. However, after an hour thus spent, he ventured
to ask:

“ Have you not a patient who has been greatly discussed
of late—who has attracted the attention of the public to
Healthful House?”

“T think you are alluding to Thomas Roch, Count,”
said the Principal.

“Ves; the Frenchman—the inventor whose mind seems
to be unhinged.”

“Very much so, sir; and perhaps it is just as well it
should be so. To my mind, mankind can gain nothing by