ing back, don't you
think?'

'Craik's right, Mrs Lawford; it's not a bit of good waiting. Bethany
would stick there till midnight if any old woman's spiritual state could
keep her going so long. Here we all are, and at any moment we may be
interrupted. Mind you, I promise nothing--only that there shall be
no scene. But here I am, and if he does come knocking and ringing and
lunging out in the disgusting manner he--well, all I ask is permission
to speak for YOU. 'Pon my soul, to think what you must have gone
through! It isn't the place for ladies just now--honestly it ain't.'

'Besides, supposing the romantic lady of the pony-carriage has friends?
Are YOU a pugilist, Mr Craik?'

'I hope I could give some little account of myself, Mrs Lovat; but you
need have no anxiety about that.'

'There, Mr Danton. So as there is not the least cause for anxiety even
if poor Arthur SHOULD return to his earthly home, may we share your
dreadful story at once, Sheila; and then, perhaps, hear Mr Bethany's
exposition of it when he DOES arrive? We are amply guarded.'

'Honestly, you know, you are a bit of a sceptic, Mrs Lovat,' pleaded
Danton playfully. 'I've SEEN him.'

'And seeing is disbelieving, I suppose. Now then, Sheila.'

'I don't think there's the least chance of Arthur returning to-night,'
said Sheila solemnly. 'I am perfectly well aware it's best to be as
cheerful as one can--and as resolved; but I think, Bettie, when even
you know the whole horrible secret, you won't think Mr Danton was--was
horrified for nothing. The ghastly, the awful truth is that my
husband--there is no other word for it--is--possessed!'

'"Possessed," Sheila! What in the name of all the creeps is that?'

'Well, I dare say Mr Craik will explain it much better than I can. By
a devil, dear.' The voice was perfectly poised and restrained, and Mr
Craik did not see fit for the moment to embellish the definition.

Lawford, with an almost wooden immobility, listened on.

'But THE devil, or A devil? Isn't there a distinction?' inquired Mrs
Lovat.

'It's in the Bible, Bettie, over and over again. It was quite a common
thing in the Middle Ages; I think I'm right in saying that, am I not,
Mr Craik?' Mr Craik must have solemnly nodded or abundantly looked
his unwilling affirmation. 'And what HAS been,' continued Sheila
temperately, 'I suppose may be again.'

'When the fellow began raving at me the other night,' began Danton
huskily, as if out of an unfath