METHOD IN MADNESS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume IX, Issue 2457, 30 October 1876, Page 3

METHOD IN MADNESS.

A nm of distinguished presence, admirable manners, and irreproachablo : toilette, lately presented herself before _a doctor in Paris, who had made monomaniahis especial study, to ask his advice about her son, who had for some time past laboured under deplorable illusions. In his case, the monomania declared itself by; a demand for diamonds, and 30,000 francs on every occasion. "Where can I see this young man,madam ?" said tho worthy medico. , " Here, in a few minutes," replied tho lady, and departed. Thence she repaired to a famous jeweller, where she ordored diamonds to the amount of 30,000 francs, and asked that one of the shopmen might be allowed to accompany her home, when : her husband would paythe bill. The name and address of a- celebrated doctor lulled, of course, all suspicion of a fraud. On reentering the doctor's house the lady took the case ; of diamonds from the shopman, under the pretence ot showing them toiler husband, left the former in the anteroom, and entered the doctor's sanctum. "Here is my son, doctor, can lie come : in?" The doctor, happy in the prospect of an interesting case and a fat fee, opens the door, and, with his most amiable air, invites inside tho dupe, whom he is enchanted to see, and begs , to be seated.; The lady closes tho door, from sentiments of delicacy, on the interesting consultation, and Gallice " saves herself." Anglice " bolts" with her precious spoil. _ Meanwhile the doctor is engaged with tho usual business with his patient. " Sit down and talk," ho says; r " how old aro you?" . " Sir," replies tho young man, " you aro exceedingly kind. lam just twentyfour; but as I do not see what that has to do with the matter immediately before us, and I am iu rather a hurry, would you bo good enough togivo me a cliequo for 30,000 francs, and let ms go ?" 1 Ha! ha!" thought the sagacious doctor," he is coming to the poiut. Well, my young friend, no doubt the lady, was, vory beautiful, but at tho same time very extravagant; and, in short, turnod your head." " Sir 1" said the indignant shopman,' I do not understand the drift of your questions, which have nothing to do with my mission hero. I am, not, ill. ]3e good enough to explain yourself." TLlo explanation ensued, and the . bleflsings whicli both shopman and doctor heaped upon that elegant lady were beyond the power of reporter to record.