It seems that the cook, a stolid woman, on the point of starting for a Christmas visit, took charge of the situation, sent for the doctor, despatched the telegram to us, and with the help of the porter's wife, saw to Adrian.

The elder Mrs.Boldero collapsed, a futile mass of sodden hysteria.

Much that was fascinating and feminine in Adrian came from this amiable and incapable lady.
We went into the dining-room and helped ourselves to whisky and soda--we needed it--and talked of the catastrophe.

As yet, of course, we knew nothing of the clot of blood.

Presently Barbara came in and put her hands on my shoulders.
"I must stay here, Hilary, dear.