“It took me all my time, though,” my friend said seriously. “You can’t conceive what a strange feeling I had once or twice. All the strength seemed to have gone out of me—especially just before he collapsed himself.”
I walked round with Cowles in order to see the ladies home. He walked in front with Mrs. Merton, and I found myself behind with the young lady. For a minute or so I walked beside her without making any remark, and then I suddenly blurted out, in a manner which must have seemed somewhat brusque to her—
“You did that, Miss Northcott.”
“Did what?” she asked sharply.
“Why, mesmerised the mesmeriser—I suppose that is the best way of describing the transaction.”
“What a strange idea!” she said, laughing. “You give me credit for a strong will then?”
“Yes,” I said. “For a dangerously strong one.”
“Why dangerous?” she asked, in a tone of surprise.
“I think,” I answered, “that any will which can exercise such power is dangerous—for there is always a chance of its being turned to bad uses.”
“You would make me out a very dreadful individual, Mr. Armitage,” she said; and then looking up suddenly in my face—“You have never liked me. You are suspicious of me and distrust me, though I have never given you cause.”