Page:The Fate of Fenella (1892).djvu/204

 and see my plan as I see it. Now, it seems to me impossible that you, in your weak health, just recovered from a dangerous illness, could possibly institute such a troublesome search as this is likely to prove."

"And if not?" began she despairingly.

"There is a substitute," said he. "I shall undertake this matter."

"You?"

"Yes. If you will intrust this affair to me, I will promise to bring you back your—husband."

"Bring me back my child," said she.

"Fenella! your husband! you will want to have him back!"

"I have told you I am tired," said she coldly. "I have borne a great deal, and——" she paused.

"There is something on your mind," said he.

"His hands!" she said. She seemed to shrink visibly. She shuddered. "The blood! I was unconscious then, I think—and it is only now—now—— But his hands! and his face! Great Heavens, how he held him. He choked him! It was as if he was over there now," staring wildly at the far part of the room. "His fingers closed round his throat, and there was such a sound—a gurgle— Heaven, what a sound! and then he stabbed, and stabbed, and stabbed—he was mad. Oh!" with a long-drawn, piercing sigh, "I shall go mad if I think of it!"