eart. But was it worth the
sacrifice of two lives? You can not answer me. I shall not intrude upon
you again until we reach Montreal. You can send for your mother; it
would be best for me to leave you in her charge. Telegraph back to her
from the next station we arrive at. The moment we reach Montreal we part
forever!"

But at that instant a strange event happened.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE COLLISION--THE PILOT AT THE WHEEL.

Gerelda had been looking intently out of the window. Suddenly she sprang
back with a wild cry that fairly froze the blood in Varrick's veins.

"What has frightened you, Gerelda?" he asked, gravely; and the look she
turned on him he never forgot, there was something so terrible in the
gaze of those dark eyes. She did not attempt to repel him from drawing
near her, or from clasping her hands; but ever and anon she would laugh
that horrible laugh that froze the blood in his veins.

"Let us talk the matter over calmly, Gerelda," he said at length, "and
arrive at an understanding."

"There is no need," she returned. "As long as I understand, that is
quite sufficient."

There was something in the tone of her voice that frightened him. He
looked into her face. A grayish pallor overspread it. To Varrick's
infinite surprise, Gerelda commenced to laugh immoderately; and these
spells of laughter so increased as the moments flew by, that he became
greatly alarmed.

He wondered what he could do or say to comfort her. She grew so
alarmingly hysterical as he watched her, that it occurred to him he must
find medical aid for her. Fortune favored him; he found a doctor seated
in the compartment next to him. The gentleman was only too glad to be
able to render him every assistance in his power.

One glance at the beautiful bride, and an expression of the gravest
apprehension swept over the doctor's face.

"My dear sir," he said, turning to Varrick, "I have something to tell
you which you must summon all your fortitude to hear. Your young wife
has lost her reason; she is dangerously insane."

Varrick started back as though the man had struck him a sudden blow.

"You are bound for Montreal, I believe," continued the doctor. "You will
see the need of conveying her to an asylum, with the least possible
delay, as soon as you arrive there. If there is anything which I can do
to assist you during this journey, do not hesitate to call upon me.
Consider me entirely at your service."

That was a day in Huber