She knew that Viola was invariably punctual to an appointment and something unusual must be the matter.

She left the room hurriedly and her knees smote together as she fancied she discovered the scent of escaping gas.

She clung to the banisters for support and dragged her way to Viola's door.

As she drew near, the smell of gas became unmistakable, and she fell forward, uttering a loud scream.

Bernard had noticed the anxious look on Viola's mother's face and was listening eagerly.