Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/163

Rh astonishment. Was it possible that Dirk Willumhoog had been here in Belfry Lane,  and interviewed Vrouw Voorhaas while they  were away somewhere? But why had she not told them of it? What could be this dreadful mystery that the two seemed to  share in common? What harm did he plan to do them?

That afternoon Jan arrived, accompanied by Dr. de Witt. Jacqueline now had her hands full with the two patients, but she was  grateful for the companionship of the old  man. It had seemed unutterably depressing to be shut up alone with this sick woman who  was never for a moment in her right mind,  and who raved incessantly about disturbing  mysteries. Two more days passed and the conditions in Belfry Lane continued about  the same. Vrouw Voorhaas did not improve, except that she had less delirium, and Jacqueline was worried almost out of her senses  because Gysbert had not yet appeared. Nothing could convince her that all was well