“You are excited,” said North, taking her hand, half professionally, half with the anxious touch of a lover; but she snatched it away with an angry flash from her eyes.
She saw his pained look, and held out her hand the next moment.
“If the pulse beats quickly,” she said, smiling, “it is no wonder.”
“No, no, of course not,” he cried, taking her hand, and holding it in his.
“Now, tell me.”
“Oh, it was an accident,” he said, “undoubtedly. I’m afraid there was a reason for it.”
Leo was silent, looking at North searchingly.
“Oh, yes, I understand now,” she said quickly. “He drank very much, did he not?”
“I’m afraid so,” replied North, feeling half troubled at the intimate knowledge displayed by the woman he loved.
“It is very horrible,” said Leo, closing her eyes. “Hush! they are coming down. Say as little as you can. Mary is very weak.”