Gladys’s letter made me very anxious.  There was a tone about it that seemed as though her nerves were giving way.  The heat was intense, and most likely anxiety about Eric was disturbing her night’s rest.  Want of sleep would be serious to Gladys’s highly-strung organisation.  I was determined to speak to Mr. Hamilton, or go myself to Gladwyn.

My fears were still further aroused when Sunday came and Gladys was not in her usual place.  After service Miss Darrell was speaking to some friends in the porch.  As I passed Mr. Hamilton I paused for a moment, to question him:  ’Why was Gladys not at church?  Why did she never come to see me now?’

‘We might ask you that same question, I think,’ he returned, rather pointedly.  ’Gladys is not well:  she spoke to me yesterday about herself, and I was obliged to give her a sleeping-draught.  She was not awake when we left the house.’

‘I will come and see her,’ I replied quickly, for Miss Darrell was bearing down upon us, and I am sure she heard my last words; and as I walked home I determined to go up to Gladwyn that very evening while the family were at church.

I thought I had timed my visit well, and was much exasperated when Miss Darrell opened the door to me.

‘I saw you coming,’ she said, in her smooth voice, ’and so I thought I would save Leah the trouble.  She is the only servant at home, and I sent her upstairs to see if Gladys wanted anything.  I hope you do not expect to see Gladys to-night, Miss Garston?’

‘I most certainly expect it,’ was my reply.  ’I have given up the evening service, hearing that she was ill.’

’It is too kind of you; but I am sorry that I could not allow it for a moment.  Giles was telling me an hour ago that he could not think what ailed Gladys:  he was afraid of some nervous illness for her unless she were kept quiet.  I could not take the responsibility of disobeying Giles.’

‘I will take the responsibility on myself,’ I returned coolly.  ’You forget that I am a nurse, Miss Darrell.  I shall do Gladys no harm.’

‘Excuse me if I must be the judge of that,’ she returned, and her thin lips closed in an inflexible curve:  ’in my cousin’s absence I could not allow any one to go near Gladys.  Leah is with her now trying to induce her to take her sleeping-draught.’

I looked at Miss Darrell, and wondered if I could defy her to her face, or whether I had better wait until I could speak to Mr. Hamilton.  If Gladys were really taking her sleeping-draught, my presence in her room might excite her.  If I could only know if she were telling me the truth!

My doubts were answered by Leah’s entrance.  Miss Darrell addressed her eagerly: 

‘Have you given Miss Gladys the draught, Leah?’

’Yes, ma’am, and she seems nicely inclined to sleep.  She heard Miss Garston’s voice, and sent me down with her love, and she is sorry not to be able to see her to-night.’