“‘Oh, Eddie,’ she said, as she held out both hands for me to shake, ‘what on earth is the matter with Harry? He came here just now, looking for all the world just like a ghost. He was as pale as death, and I thought he was going to fall down and die at my feet. He staggered from one side of the hall to the other like a drunken man, told me he wished to be alone with Viola, and requested me to stay out of the room until he called me. His eyes showed a wild, unsettled expression, such as I have seen mad men have. What does it mean?’
“‘Lottie, something awful has happened; but I can’t stop to tell you now. We must look after Harry--get him away from here as soon as possible. Go in; you must persuade him to go home with you.’
“‘Good Heavens! did you hear that groan? That was Viola--come, quick!’
“I followed her into the room, and at a glance perceived that we had come too late--the mischief had been done. That Harry was absolutely crazy for the time being was as plain as could be. Viola was leaning against the bed-post, pale and trembling, while Harry was passing across the room like an angry tiger in its cage. Lottie was by Viola’s side in an instant.
“‘What is it?’ she inquired, as she took hold of her arm. ‘Tell me what has happened, I beseech you!’