“Thank you,” nodded Landis. “What happened next?”
“Just as I went back into the reception-room from here, Isabelle Harrison entered it from the hall. She saw her father, ran forward, screamed and dropped in a faint. Susan was still screeching and I tried to quiet her while Stimson stretched Isabelle on her back and went for some water to revive her. As he went out into the hall, Anita passed him, coming in. She was followed within a very short time by Mr. Russell, Ethel Graham with Helen, the housemaid, at her heels and then Mr. Allen—”
“What did they all do? What did Anita Harrison do?” interrupted Bernard.
“During the moment that I noticed her, she simply stood and stared at her father. As to the others, the room was a bedlam with their excited questions and Susan’s whooping laughter. I believe Stimson came back and he and Mr. Russell tried to revive Isabelle, while Mr. Allen tried to lead Anita out of the room. I asked Mrs. Graham to request her husband to come down at once and take charge. It was a good deal of a shock to me.”
“Why did you send for Mr. Graham here? Why not for Harrison’s brother, Joel?” asked Bernard.
Miss Mount smiled tolerantly.
“Mr. Joel would have been totally unsuitable. You will realize that when you know him. As Mr. Harrison’s lawyer, Mr. Graham seemed the most suitable person to take charge.”
“And then?”
“I waited for Mr. Graham. When he came, at his suggestion I had Stimson and Helen Stokes take Susan to the kitchen. Mr. Russell had just carried Isabelle upstairs to her room. Mr. and Mrs. Graham went into the library where he telephoned for the doctor and the police. Mr. Allen and I led Anita to her room and the two men came down again. I went to my bathroom to get a restorative for Isabelle. The water had been of no use. I gave Anita my smelling salts and left Isabelle in her charge—”
“Anita had recovered entirely?” asked Bernard.