“Very miserable.  But the point is, to visit it would have made Daisy happy.”

“It is sheer fanaticism!” said Mrs. Randolph.  “I cannot let her encourage it.  If I did, she would not be fit for anything by and by.  She is fit for very little now.”

“You will of course judge as you please about it,” said the doctor; “but it is my duty to tell you that the danger in that line is far more than compensated by the advantage to be gained.  For Daisy’s health, she should be checked in nothing; let her go where she will and do what she will; the more business on hand the better, that carries her out of doors and out of herself.  With a strong body and secure health, you will find it far easier to manage fanaticism.”

“I am sure Dr. Sandford is right, Felicia,” said Mr. Randolph.

“I know Daisy—­” said the lady.

“I think I know fanaticism,” said the doctor; “and if I do, the best thing you can do with it is to give it plenty of sun and air.”

“Is it quite safe for Daisy to go to this cottage you speak of?” Mr. Randolph asked.

“Quite safe.”

“I cannot think of letting Daisy go there, Mr. Randolph!” said his wife.

“What danger do you apprehend, Felicia?”

It was not quite so easy to say.  The lady handled her tetting pins, which were in her fingers, for a moment or two in silence; then let them fall, and raised her handsome head.

“Daisy must be withdrawn entirely from the associations which have taken possession of her—­if it is possible.  The very best thing for her in my opinion would be to send her to a boarding school.  Unless you wish your daughter to grow up a confirmed religieuse, Mr. Randolph.  Do you wish that?”

“I have not considered it.  What do you suppose Daisy will do to harm herself, at this place Dr. Sandford speaks of?”

“Some absurdity, that just cherishes the temper she is in.”

“Quite as likely”—­to wear it out, Mr. Randolph was going to say; but some remembrance of Daisy came up and stopped him.

“Good evening!” said the doctor, rising to his feet.

“Are you going, Dr. Sandford?”

“Yes.”

“Then you recommend that we let Daisy go to this place, and alone?”

“In my capacity of physician I should order it,” said the doctor with a smile; “only, I do not like to give orders and have them dishonoured.”

Off he went.

“Felicia,” said Mr. Randolph, “I believe he is right.”

“I am sure he knows nothing about it,” said the lady.

“Do you?  Daisy is very delicate.”

“She will never die of want of resolution.”

“Felicia, I mean to enquire into Daisy’s wishes and purposes about this matter; and if I find them unobjectionable, I shall give her leave to go on with it.”

“You do not know what you are about, Mr. Randolph.”

“I shall find out, then,” said the gentleman.  “I would rather she would be a religieuse than a shadow.”