Both Mrs. Brown and Henri’s godmother were pale.
“Do you think she doesn’t know that he’s married and separated from his wife?” said Henri’s godmother.
“I don’t know,” said Mrs. Brown. “I feel that I can’t eat a thing now. Someone ought to tell her at once.”
“Let’s go,” said Henri’s godmother suddenly, “before she tells anyone else. The poor woman!”
They went out quickly, leaving Henri alone in the drawing-room. Henri chose a large sugared cake and began to munch it.
“Ze jolly well good,” he commented contentedly.
******
The General approached Mr. Burwash’s house cautiously. There was no sign of a disturbance. Evidently the policeman had not yet returned with help. The General entered the garden and went on tiptoe to the morning-room window. He was full of curiosity. There was the madman. He was sitting at a table with his back to the window. There was a mad look about his very back. The General was suddenly inspired by the idea of making the capture single-handed. It would be a glorious page in the annals of the village. The front door was open. The General entered and walked very slowly down the hall. The morning-room door was open. It was here that the General made the painful discovery that his boots squeaked. The squeaking would undoubtedly attract the attention of the lunatic as he entered. The General had another inspiration. He dropped down upon his hands and knees. He could thus make his way unseen and unheard to the back of the madman, then spring to his feet and overpower him.
He entered the room.
He reached the middle of the room.