"Here is the mischief;" and he pointed to a
very slight indentation on the left side of the pia mater. "Observe,"
said he, "there is no corresponding indentation on the other side.
Underneath this trifling depression a minute piece of bone is doubtless
pressing on the most sensitive part of the brain. He must be trephined."
Mr. White's eyes sparkled.
"You are an hospital surgeon, sir?"
"Yes, Dr. Staines. I have no fear of the operation."
"Then I hand the patient over to you. The case at present is entirely
surgical."
White was driven home, and soon returned with the requisite instruments.
The operation was neatly performed, and then Lady Cicely was called in.
She came trembling; her brother's fingers were still working, but not so
regularly.
"That is only HABIT," said Staines; "it will soon leave off, now the
cause is gone."
And, truly enough, in about five minutes the fingers became quiet. The
eyes became human next; and within half an hour after the operation the
earl gave a little sigh.
Lady Cicely clasped her hands, and uttered a little cry of delight.
"This will not do," said Staines, "I shall have you screaming when he
speaks."
"Oh, Dr. Staines! will he ever speak?"
"I think so, and very soon.
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