The Changeling, A Novel, By Walter Besant. CHAPTER I. Was it Substitution pray be seated, madam. The doctor offered his visitor a chair. Then he closed the door with perhaps a more marked manner than one generally displays in this simple operation. I am happy to inform you, he began, that the arangements, he repeated with meaning, are now completed. The lady was quite young-not more than twentytwo or so-a handsome woman, a woman of distinction. Her face was full of sadness her eyes were full of trouble her lips trembled her fingers nervously clutched the arms of the chair. When the doctor mentioned the arrangements, her cheek flushed and then pale. In a word, she betrayed every external sign of terror, sorrow, and anxiety. And when can I leave this place, this day as soon as you please. The woman made no objections None. You can have the child. I have told you my reasons for wishing to adopt this child...