CHAPTER XI. DE LUNATICO INQUIRENDO. I WAS, of course, anxious to be present throughout the inquiry, but circumstances happened to detain me; and when I entered the court the proceedings had commenced.* Mr. Tremlett was present, I suppose according to rule, though I could not help thinking he was thereby placed in an uncomfortable and painful position, no less than the witnesses. Regarding him as a man on his trial, it was legally just, but to the medical man it seemed unkind and unwise. To me it appeared about as natural as to hold a consultation, in the presence of a patient, upon the propriety of amputating both his legs. * I must here beg for the indulgence of such of my readers as may belong to the legal profession, should any of the proceedings or points of law in the inquiry be misinterpreted or stated incorrectly, since it was in its medical aspect alone that I was interested. The counsel was stating the case for Mr. Mainwaring; he was interrupted for an instant by a voice which I recognized as familiar to me. I leaned forward to obtain a more accurate view, and was astonished to perceive, as junior counsel on behalf of Mr. Tremlett, George Carnegie, in full disguise of wig and gown. It may appear strange that I had not been aware of this before, but the fact was I had not inquired about forms and ceremonies further than I thought they would affect myself; and when the opposing counsel was named, it was always Mr. the leader-junior counsel being considered, I presume, of minor importance. How singular it was! Here was Carnegie pleading for the restoration of that man to society, who had once caused him so much vexation of heart and bitterness of spirit; who had been the object of his vehement dislike, had eventually proved his successful rival, and separated him for ever from the woman he loved. What strange chance had raised Carnegie up to do battle for him! It flashed on my mind that Tremlett must have suggested it; there was a spice of cunning malignity about the idea very characteristic of him; and I wondered whether Carnegie had willingly accepted the case, or was aware of the gravity of Mrs. Tremlett's position, and that it was fully as much for her protection as for Mr. Tremlett's benefit, that Mainwaring was supported in his effort. I learned a few hours afterwards that my conjecture was correct, that Tremlett had proposed for George Carnegie to conduct the defence; that the latter had at first positively refused, though it was represented to him as merely a case where the next of kin wished to secure the reversion of the property of a man whose eccentricity had caused him to be regarded as a lunatic; and it was not until another influence had been brought to bear, that George's resolution gave way. At Mrs. Tremlett's personal entreaties he agreed, though not without a struggle, to use his best exertions on their side; but the struggle was not that of the advocate, but of the man, since Mrs. Tremlett's representations were such that her sincere desire to see her husband free could not be doubted. If she did not think him too mad to live with, who should better be the judge? was George's reflection; and thus it had all come about. The case was stated with great moderation. The circumstances and property of the alleged lunatic were detailed; his position before and after his father's death, the date of his marriage, together with sundry facts in which he had behaved differently to other gentlemen similarly circumstanced. The first attack of insanity took place in 18-; witnesses would be called to give particulars; but the result of that attack-one characterized by considerable violence-was that the safety of his wife, and those about him, was considered to be in danger; and under the proper certificates he was placed under the care of with whom he remained some months. Dr. A certain mitigation of the worst symptoms was effected by the seclusion, and by the medical treatment which he received there; and it was in consequence thought expedient to remove him to the care of Dr. Brandling, a gentleman who was noted for his humanity and kindness of disposition, and who, having abandoned the active pursuit of his profession, would, it was thought, be able to devote the more time and skill to the surveillance and treatment of his patient. Mr. Tremlett remained there for more than two years, and during that time gave unequivocal signs of insanity, not only in particular instances of violence, but in his general demeanour, all of which he (the counsel) hoped to prove by competent witnesses, including his servants, attendants, the medical gentlemen who had been at different times called in, and that of his nearest male relative, the petitioner, Mr. Mainwaring. Only one child had resulted from the marriage -a son, who died, however, before he attained five years of age. After residing more than two years with Dr. Brandling, Mr. Tremlett contrived to effect his escape, and subsequently threatened with violence |