He nodded assent, and I made an effort to lift him up, but he was weak and heavy, and I not sufficiently strong to sustain him. As he fell back, my eyes caught sight again of those fearful marks. Some power outside of myself forced me to ask, “Herbert, what ails your throat; has any one hurt you?”
At the question, a tremor fearful to witness passed through his frame, and looking at me with an expression of preternatural intelligence, he whispered, “He tried to choke me.”
Stunned with horror at this again repeated assertion, I sank down and buried my face in my hands. I could think but one thought, and that was a wish that I were dead!
CHAPTER VII
But my nature would not permit me at such a crisis to remain passive long. I must arouse myself and act. Calling the nurse to take my place, I went to seek Mr. Bristed. I found him, as usual, in his library.
“Sir,” said I, “I am calm now; will you not explain to me this frightful mystery? I will listen and thank you.”
He placed a chair for me to be seated, and taking my hand, said gently:—
“Miss Reef—Agnes, you are too weak to hear this that you seek to know.”
“No, no,” I exclaimed, vehemently; “I am not weak; I must know all.”
He arose and paced the floor hurriedly for a few moments; then muttering, “It is best—I will tell her,” he said: