XLIII.

Woman's Rights-The State Lunatic Asylum at Utica, Oneida County, N. Y.

"MOTHER," said Frederick Mortimer, as the party, described at the conclusion of the last chapter, were leaving the dining-room of the hotel, "you are to have a house full of ladies."

"What is to become of the gentlemen?" said Mrs. Mortimer.

"Father has intimated his wish that we shall accompany Chief M-1 to New York. He desires. our presence in relation to some matters which concern George," said Frederick.

"When will you go?" said Mrs. Mortimer.

"We are to take the afternoon train at two o'clock and forty-five minutes," replied Frederick.

"And what is to become of the ladies, when the pilots desert them?" said Mrs. Mortimer.

"Father has given orders for carriages to convey all to Aurora. They are to start before the train goes," replied Frederick.

"Good! woman will have her rights for once," said Mrs. Edgemonte, who had listened to the conversation.

"And deserves to have them at all times," said

Mr. Mortimer. "But what has raised this cry about woman's rights?"

"Having discovered the existence of a plot, designed to make deserters out of one half of this party, the ladies have determined to see what merit there is in woman's rights," said Mrs. Edgemonte.

"Oh! Fred has been breaking the sad news about Chief M-l's requirements," said Mr. Mortimer.

"Sad news, indeed, Mr. Mortimer! I consider it quite cheerful. The value of it depends, however, upon the length of time the requirements of Mr. M-1 shall allow us ladies the privilege of having our own way," said Mrs. Edgemonte.

"All that philosophy will do for ladies of experience. The gentlemen are better appreciated by the young ladies," said Mr. Mortimer

"Who have neither mended stockings, replaced lost buttons, nor gathered up the tares of married existence," said Mrs. Edgemonte.

"We shall not be entirely without a pilot," said Bell. "Mr. George Melville, I am informed, has an intention of making Aurora a visit this afternoon."

"Of course," said Mr. Mortimer. "That attests the truth of my remark."

The ladies had no time to waste, as the hour for the departure of the train was close at hand. The carriages had been waiting their movements for nearly an hour. The leave-takings, consequently, were short, and to the purpose. George Melville and William Hastings were the only gentlemen who joined the Aurora party. Messrs. M-1, Mortimer, Edgemonte, Griswold, and Frederick Mortimer took the afternoon train for the East. We leave both par

ties to pursue their journeys. In the interim, will the reader please return with us to the village of Aurora.

"Good bye, my dear sir," said Mordaunt, as he arose to take his leave of Mr. Mortimer.

"I shall visit New York in a few days, Mr. Mordaunt," said Mr. Mortimer, taking Mordaunt's hand. “We can then arrange this business to your satisfaction."

"What day will you be there?" asked Mordaunt. "The twelfth or thirteenth,” replied Mr. Mortimer. Mordaunt had scarcely reached the street gate ere Mr. Mortimer joined Doyl, who, as had been arranged, was in a side room, awaiting Mordaunt's departure.

"Has Dady gone to Auburn with the dispatch for the telegraph?"

"Yes, sir, four hours since," replied Doyl.

"Bess, tell James to bring around the bays with the light carriage," said Mr. Mortimer. "You brought your valise, did you not, Mr. Doyl?"

"No, sir," said Doyl.

"Get it," was the laconic request of Mr. Morti

mer.

Doyl, returning to the hotel, paid his bill and obtained his valise. He waited there until Mordaunt drove off, and then rejoined Mr. Mortimer.

"James, are you ready?" asked Mr. Mortimer-a question which James had learned to interpret as an order to do the driving.

"Yis, sir," replied James.

"Mr. Doyl, please take your seat. Now, James,

Auburn, by the Springport road. Drive very slow," said Mr. Mortimer.

"Yis, sir," again responded James.

At first the spirited bays seemed determined not to take a slow pace; but under the skillful instructions which James administered, they gradually comprehended that speed was not at all required. Then, as if ashamed of such company, they settled into a modest trot. The ride to Auburn was so managed that Mordaunt was kept in sight at a long distance in advance. Upon their arrival, a telegraph dispatch awaited Mr. Mortimer from Chief M- -1, saying that he would be at the city of U

"So far so good," said Mr. Mortimer. to the city of U this afternoon.

on the twelfth.

"I shall go In one respect,

I have changed the programme, Mr. Doyl. Do not make the arrest until you hear from me again." "Very well, sir,” replied Doyl.

Mr. Mortimer, that evening, took his tea at the Hotel, in the city of Utica. The following morning he called at the Lunatic Asylum, and inquired for the principal physician.

"Good morning, Mr. Mortimer. This is an unexpected pleasure, indeed," said the doctor, as he recognized his distinguished visitor.

"Good morning, doctor. I trust my presence will not trespass upon your duties," replied Mr. Mortimer. "It will not for the next hour, Mr. Mortimer, unless I have an unexpected call," said the doctor.

"Doctor, you have a patient here in whom the people became very much interested by reason of the publicity given her case through the New York press," said Mr. Mortimer.

"You mean Sarah Graham ?" asked the doctor. "Yes; Sarah E. Graham. What is her condition now doctor?" said Mr. Mortimer.

"By the hand of Providence she is restored. Hers has been a sad case. There are circumstances connected with it of a terrible nature; but she resolutely refuses to disclose anything."

"Doctor, I must have an interview with her, and would be very glad if you will be present. There are some suspicions which fancy tells me she is able to make certainties," said Mr. Mortimer.

"I have resolutely forbidden all persons from visiting her since the seventh instant. It will be necessary that you call again this afternoon, or, better, to-morrow morning, if you can remain until then," said the doctor. "I am not certain, however, that an interview with her would be best at present. You shall be admitted if the thing is practicable."

"To-morrow will be best," said Mr. Mortimer. "The Chief of Police, from New York, will then be in the city, and I should like that he be present at the interview."

"Very well. If I admit you, there will be no objection to one more," said the doctor

After some further remarks, Mr. Mortimer bade the doctor good morning.

On the following day, he called again at the Asylum; this time, accompanied by Chief M-1. The usual greetings of politeness being over, the doctor informed Mr. Mortimer that he would allow the interview; but at the first caution he should give, it was to be immediately closed. They were now invited by the doctor to follow him.

After going some