'No one, that I know of.'

'We have two duties before us, Mrs. Darrell: the first, to protect
our patient from the possibility of any farther attempt of this
kind; the second, to trace the hand that has done this work. I shall
telegraph to Leeds immediately for a professional nurse, to relieve
Miss Crofton in the care of the sick-room; and I shall communicate
at once with the police, in order that this house may be placed
under surveillance.'

Mrs. Darrell said not a word, either in objection or assent, to
this. She seated herself by the table again, and began trifling idly
with the writing materials before her.

'You will do what is best, of course, Mr. Hale,' she said, after a
long pause; 'you are quite at liberty to act in this matter
according to your own discretion.'

'Thanks; it is a matter in which my responsibility entitles me to a
certain amount of power. I shall telegraph to Dr. Lomond, asking him
to come down to-morrow. Whatever doubt you may entertain of my
judgment will be dispelled when I am supported by his opinion.'

'Of course; but I have not expressed any doubt of your judgment.'

We left her immediately after this--left her sitting before the
table, with her restless hands turning over the papers.

The servant who went in search of her at seven o'clock that evening,