ith preposterous terrors. I don't know what
there is in Haddo that inspires me with this unaccountable dread. He is
always present to my thoughts. I seem to see his dreadful eyes and his
cold, sensual smile. I wake up at night, my heart beating furiously, with
the consciousness that something quite awful has happened.

Oh, I wish the trial were over, and that we were happy in Germany.

Yours ever
SUSAN BOYD

Susie took a certain pride in her common sense, and it was humiliating to
find that her nerves could be so distraught. She was worried and unhappy.
It had not been easy to take Margaret back to her bosom as if nothing had
happened. Susie was human; and, though she did ten times more than could
be expected of her, she could not resist a feeling of irritation that
Arthur sacrificed her so calmly. He had no room for other thoughts, and
it seemed quite natural to him that she should devote herself entirely to
Margaret's welfare.

Susie walked some way along the road to post this letter and then went to
her room. It was a wonderful night, starry and calm, and the silence was
like balm to her troubles. She sat at the window for a long time, and at
last, feeling more tranquil, went to bed. She slept more soundly than she
had done for many days. When she awoke the sun was streaming into her
room, and she gave a deep sigh of delight. She could see trees from her
bed, and blue sky. All her troubles seemed easy to bear when the world
was so beautiful, and she was ready to laugh at the fears that had so
affected her.

She got up, put on a dressing-gown, and went to Margaret's room. It was
empty. The bed had not been slept in. On the pillow was a note.

It's no good; I can't help myself. I've gone back to him. Don't trouble
about me any more. It's quite hopeless and useless.

M

Susie gave a little gasp. Her first thought was for Arthur, and she
uttered a wail of sorrow because he must be cast again into the agony of
desolation. Once more she had to break the dreadful news. She dressed
hurriedly and ate some breakfast. There was no train till nearly eleven,
and she had to bear her impatience as best she could. At last it was time
to start, and she put on her gloves. At that moment the door was opened,
and Arthur came in.

She gave a cry of terror and turned pale.

'I was just coming to London to see you,' she faltered. 'How did you find
out?'

'Haddo sent me a box of chocolates early this morning with a card on
wh