"So am I. It will, I am sure, be best to let him have his way for
the present. Something has disturbed him fearfully; but he is
struggling hard for the mastery over himself, and you may be sure,
madam, that he will gain it. Your son is a young man of no light
stamp of character; and he will come out of this ordeal, as gold
from the crucible."
"You think so, Doctor?"
She looked at me with a hopeful light in her troubled countenance.
"I do, verily. So let your heart dwell in peace."
I was anxious to get back to my good Constance, and so, after a few
more encouraging words for Mrs. Wallingford, I tried the storm
again, and went through its shivering gusts, to my own home. There
had been no calls in my absence, and so the prospect looked fair for
a quiet evening--just what I wanted; for the strange condition of
Henry Wallingford, and the singular circumstance connected with the
old Allen House, were things to be conned over with that second
self, towards whom all thought turned and all interest converged as
to a centre.
After exchanging wet outer garments and boots, for dressing gown and
slippers; and darkness and storm for a pleasant fireside; my
thoughts turned to the north-west chamber of the Allen House, and I
said--
"I have seen something to-night that puzzled me.
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