h a slight exertion of her will
her subject would be conscious, and with a stronger one unconscious.
Last night I was unconscious. I could have sworn that I slept soundly
in my bed without so much as a dream. And yet those stains tell me
that I dressed, made my way out, attempted to open the bank windows,
and returned. Was I observed? Is it possible that some one saw me do
it and followed me home? Ah, what a hell my life has become! I have
no peace, no rest. But my patience is nearing its end.

10 P. M. I have cleaned my coat with turpentine. I do not think that
any one could have seen me. It was with my screw-driver that I made
the marks. I found it all crusted with paint, and I have cleaned it.
My head aches as if it would burst, and I have taken five grains of
antipyrine. If it were not for Agatha, I should have taken fifty and
had an end of it.

May 3. Three quiet days. This hell fiend is like a cat with a mouse.
She lets me loose only to pounce upon me again. I am never so
frightened as when every thing is still. My physical state is
deplorable--perpetual hiccough and ptosis of the left eyelid.

I have heard from the Mardens that they will be back the day after
to-morrow. I do not know whether I am glad or sorry. They were safe
in London. Once here they may be drawn into the miserable network in
which I am myself struggling. And I must tell them of it. I cannot
marry Agatha so long as I know that I am not responsible for my own
actions. Yes, I must tell them, even if it brings every thing to an
end between us.

To-night is the university ball, and I must go. God knows I never felt
less in the humor for festivity, but I must not have it said that I am
unfit to appear in public. If I am seen there, and have speech with
some of the elders of the university it will go a long way toward
showing them that it would be unjust to take my chair away from me.

10 P. M. I have been to the ball. Charles Sadler and I went together,
but I have come away before him. I shall wait up for him, however,
for, indeed, I fear to go to sleep these nights. He is a cheery,
practical fellow, and a chat with him will steady my nerves. On the
whole, the evening was a great success. I talked to every one who has
influence, and I think that I made them realize that my chair is not
vacant quite yet. The creature was at the ball--unable to dance, of
course, but sitting with Mrs. Wilson. Again and again her eyes