"You have my regard, Elwood.

Not many men would have stood the racket and sacrificed themselves as you have done.
The fact is recognised, now, and your motive--" I must have turned very white; for he stopped and sprang to his feet, searching for some restorative.
I felt the need of blinding him to my condition.

With an effort, which shook me from head to foot, I lifted myself from the depths into which his words had plunged me, and fighting for self-control, faltered forth, feebly enough: "Don't be frightened.

I'm all right again; I guess I'm not very strong yet.

Sit down; I don't need anything." He turned and surveyed me carefully, and finding my colour restored, reseated himself, and proceeded, more circumspectly: "Perhaps I had better wait till to-morrow before I satisfy your curiosity," said he.
"And leave me to imagine all sorts of horrors?
No! Tell me at once.
Is--is--has anything happened at the Cumberlands' ?" "Yes.