"Of course, I will not interfere if you are satisfied," he said. "But I beg you to answer me one question, for I feel that I shall never sleep, nor rest in peace until it is answered."
"What is it, my dear boy?" inquired Mrs. Effingham.
"You will grant me that Romaine is my affianced wife?" he demanded.
"No one disputes that point."
"And she loves me with her whole heart and soul? No, you need not answer that question! Here upon my heart lies her last letter, written within the month. I want no better evidence that she is mine, as truly as woman was ever man's."
"Well? What more do you ask?"
"What more?" he cried excitedly. "I ask why she screamed at sight of me last night, crying piteously, 'Why will you torture me? Take him away and let me rest!' Can you explain such words upon her lips, and at sight of me?"
"She was not herself, Colston. Her attitude towards you is proof that her mind is indeed deranged."
He shook his head dejectedly.
"You have just told me that as yet you have seen no signs of derangement in her," he said. "Tell me, if you can, why she should seem insane to me, yet sane to you?"