“I—I am trying to think; I can’t remember! What has happened? Something dreadful—dreadful! Tell me, Bessie—tell me, or I shall go mad!”
The squire bent over her; but the doctor held up his hand.
“Let the girl speak to her,” he whispered.
With the tears filling her eyes, Bessie drew the hot, restless head upon her bosom.
“Is it this mistake about Mr. Faradeane, miss?” she said, with forced carelessness.
“Yes, yes!” panted Olivia, her eyes seeming to glow upon Bessie’s face. “Tell me!”
“It’s all a mistake,” said Bessie, calmly, setting her teeth almost defiantly, “a stupid, senseless mistake that people will be sorry for——” and unconsciously her voice rose.
The doctor raised a warning finger.
“Don’t excite her,” he said.
Bessie’s voice sank again.