“I have had the worst confirmed. For God’s sake do all you can;” and this I sent back to him by Buller.
The suspense of the time that followed was agony. My alarm for her took a hundred crude and wild shapes as I thought of the peril that would encircle her when the desperate schemes of the army were once put in operation.
I was maddening myself with such thoughts when Buller brought me Elma’s card. I sent a curt message that I would not see her. I felt I could not trust myself in that desperate mood.
But he came back with a note.
“You must see me. I have terrible news affecting Gatrina’s safety.”
I went to her then. In such a cause I was ready to go anywhere and do anything. She was more serious than I had seen her before, and spoke without any of the affectations customary with her.
“There must be peace between us, Mr. Bergwyn.”
“What have you come for?”
“Gatrina is in danger and you must help to save her.”
“What is your news?”