When the flutter of her eyelids showed that she would soon be conscious, I pointed out these signs of life to my uneasy companion and hinted very broadly that the fewer people Mrs.
Packard found about her on coming to herself, the better she would be pleased.

His aspect grew quite ferocious at this, and for a moment I almost feared him; but as I continued to urge the necessity of avoiding any fresh cause of agitation in one so weak, he gradually shrank back from my side where he had kept a jealous watch until now, and reluctantly withdrew into the hall.
Another moment and Mrs.Packard had started to rise; but, on seeing me and me only standing before her, she fell wearily back, crying in a subdued way, which nevertheless was very intense: "Don't, don't let him come in--see me--or know.

I must be by myself; I must be! Don't you see that I am frightened ?" The words came out with such force I was startled.

Leaning over her, with the natural sympathy her condition called for, I asked quietly but firmly: "Whom do you mean by him?
There is only one person in the hall, and that is your butler." "Hasn't Mr.Packard returned ?" "No, Madam." "But I thought I saw him looking at me." Her eyes were wild, her body shaking with irrepressible agitation.
"You were mistaken.

Mayor Packard has not yet come home." At this double assurance, she sank back satisfied, but still trembling and very white.
"It is Mr.Packard I meant," she whispered presently.