THE EVIL SPIRIT
Penelope sprang up from the divan panting with anger. Her hair was dishevelled. Her bare shoulders gleamed in the shadows. She glared at Seraphine.
“How dare you come in here?” she demanded insolently. “What do you want here?”
With a smile of infinite compassion Mrs. Walters approached like a loving mother. “My child! My dear child!” she said tenderly.
But the mad young creature repulsed her. “No, no! I hate you! Go away!”
The newcomer turned reassuringly to Captain Herrick. “I am Penelope's friend—Seraphine.”
“Ha! Seraphine! I am Fauvette! What do I care for you?” The frantic one snapped her fingers at the other woman.
“Penelope!” pleaded Christopher, shocked at her violence.
She turned on him in fury. “You fool! You wouldn't take the chance I offered you.”
“I will quiet her,” said Mrs. Walters to Herrick. “Don't be alarmed.”