Ten Days In A Mad-House

Bly’s ruse advanced as she was confronted by two police officers at the Temporary Home for Women, summoned by the assistant matron, Mrs. Standard. Bly continued her act, insisting that she needed to find her lost trunks, which confused the officers but persuaded them of her mental illness.

She was escorted to the police station under the guise of searching for her belongings. During questioning by Judge Duffy, Bly evaded questions, adding to her façade of confusion. The judge expressed sympathy for her, convinced that she was a lost “child” with a mysterious backstory. Though briefly fearing exposure by reporters, Bly successfully maintained her act, leading Judge Duffy to order a medical examination rather than releasing her.

Bly’s strategy succeeded, and she was brought before a doctor for examination, furthering her portrayal as a woman in mental distress. Judge Duffy continued to express sympathy, urging the doctor to treat her kindly and lamenting her supposed misfortune. Bly managed to maintain her act through a series of medical assessments, including tongue and eye examinations, by exaggerating her confusion and reacting minimally.

Despite Bly’s occasional nervousness about sustaining the deception, she was declared unwell and ordered to be taken to the hospital for further care.