orgetful of the ordinary restraints of
social intercourse--with the one doubt that preserved her belief in
Mirabel, eager for confirmation--Emily signed to this stranger to follow
her into a corner of the room, out of hearing. She made no excuses: she
took no notice of his look of surprise. One hope was all she could feel,
one word was all she could say, after that second assertion of Mirabel's
guilt. Indicating Mrs. Rook by a glance at the bed, she whispered the
word:

"Mad?"

Flippant and familiar, the doctor imitated her; he too looked at the
bed.

"No more mad than you are, miss. As I said just now, my patient has
been exciting herself; I daresay she has talked a little wildly in
consequence. _Hers_ isn't a brain to give way, I can tell you. But
there's somebody else--"

Emily had fled from the room. He had destroyed her last fragment of
belief in Mirabel's innocence. She was on the landing trying to console
herself, when the doctor joined her.

"Are you acquainted with the gentleman downstairs?" he asked.

"What gentleman?"

"I haven't heard his name; he looks like a clergyman. If you know him--"

"I do know him. I can't answer questions! My mind--"

"Steady your mind, miss! and take your friend home as soon as you can.
_He_ hasn't got Mrs. Rook's hard brain; he's in a state of nervous
prostration, which may end badly. Do you know where he lives?"

"He is staying with his sister--Mrs. Delvin."

"Mrs. Delvin! she's a friend and patient of mine. Say I'll look in
to-morrow morning, and see what I can do for her brother. In the
meantime, get him to bed, and to rest; and don't be afraid of giving him
brandy."

The doctor returned to the bedroom. Emily heard Mrs. Ellmother's voice
below.

"Are you up there, miss?"

"Yes."

Mrs. Ellmother ascended the stairs. "It was an evil hour," she said,
"that you insisted on going to this place. Mr. Mirabel--" The sight of
Emily's face suspended the next words on her lips. She took the poor
young mistress in her motherly arms. "Oh, my child! what has happened to
you?"

"Don't ask me now. Give me your arm--let us go downstairs."

"You won't be startled when you see Mr. Mirabel--will you, my dear? I
wouldn't let them disturb you; I said nobody should speak to you but
myself. The truth is, Mr. Mirabel has had a dreadful fright. What are
you looking for?"

"Is there a garden here? Any place where we can breathe the fresh air?"

There was a courtyard at the back