she said, with astonishing ferocity. Her rich, heavy contralto vibrated through me. She was excited again, that was evident. The nervous mood had overtaken her. The long pendent lobes of her ears crimsoned, and her opulent bosom heaved. I was startled. I was rather more than startled — I was frightened. I said to myself, “What a peculiar creature!”

“Why?” I questioned faintly.

“Because they are too young, too lovely, too dangerous,” she responded with fierce emphasis. “And as for Rosa in particular — as for Rosa in particular — if you knew what I knew, what I’ve seen — — ”

“What have you seen?” I was bewildered. I began to wish that Sullivan had not abandoned me to her.