CHAPTER XII.
'Do you think she is mad ?' Agnes asked.
'I think she is simply wicked.

False, superstitious, inveterately cruel--but not mad.

I believe her main motive in coming here was to enjoy the luxury of frightening you.' 'She has frightened me.

I am ashamed to own it--but so it is.' Henry looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and seated himself on the sofa by her side.
'I am very anxious about you, Agnes,' he said.

'But for the fortunate chance which led me to call here to-day--who knows what that vile woman might not have said or done, if she had found you alone?
My dear, you are leading a sadly unprotected solitary life.