"Who has killed her?"
"That scamp; with his infernal negligence."
"I don't in the least understand you. And I think that instead of wrangling here your attentions were better bestowed upon Miss Hammond."
I threw myself at her side. I was like a man distraught in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions which came sweeping over me.
"My darling! Oh, my darling! I shall soon be with you. Already the poison is stealing through my veins. May my end be as rapid as was yours. Why doesn't the doctor come? I don't believe that you have sent for him. Go and fetch him."
Again I sprang at Hughes. And again Pybus interposed.
"Mr. Lucas, may I ask for an explanation of your singular conduct? Has Miss Hammond fainted?"
"Fainted! He has poisoned her!"
"Poisoned her!"
"Yes, and you and me and all of us! We all, like her, are doomed to die."