“N—no,� said Alice. “I think I have been less annoyed by unpleasant influences, lately,�—then, catching Tibby’s eye,—“since you went away,� she added.
Professor Russell gave Alice a sharp glance, as if to determine whether any disrespect was intended by her remark, while Tibby’s eyes danced mirthfully.
“We trust,� said Mrs. Wylie, with a dignified raising of her chin, “that as Mrs. Cramer is getting her nerves under better control, she will not be haunted any more by imaginary spectres.�
“You think them, then, a mere delusion of the senses?�
“Most assuredly.�
“But if I should tell you that I, who am not in the least nervous, can see forms about Mrs. Cramer, why should she not see them?�
“Because they are not there. Because you make her see them. Mr. Russell, we feel, my brother and I, that you have done a serious wrong to Alice, and I know if Mark were here he would not permit you to see her.�
“Eh? What? Not to see her? Mark must be beside himself. Why, I am sorry. I regret very much that—that—that—Why, bless you! how sleepy this warm weather makes me. I have really allowed myself to become wearied. Perhaps I ate too hearty a dinner. Mrs. Cramer, may I trouble you for a glass of water?� And Russell started up and passed his hands before his eyes as if to brush cobwebs from them. “I have been walking about in the heat all day and it’s almost overcome me, I reckon.�
Alice rose to go to the well at the back of the house, and it was several moments before she returned.
“Here is the water, Professor,� she said, coming forward with a pitcher and glass upon a small tray. “I have drawn some fresh for you.�