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Rh reeled on her feet, she seemed to shrink instinctively from his support.

'What's the matter, Gladdie?' he cried, in sudden alarm. 'What's wrong—are you ill? Stop, I'll fetch'

She interrupted him in a whisper.

'Fetch no one.' She dropped one hand upon the dressing-table, leant her weight upon it, and motioned him back with the other. 'I am not ill; I only was faint, just for a moment. I am all right now. There, that's a long breath; I can speak quite properly again. You see, it was only a passing faintness. I must have fallen asleep by the window. I was enjoying the lovely night, and that must have done it. There, I am only tired now, and want—sleep!'

That acid had been applied, and not in drops. Its work was complete.