And now you had better return to your room.

Destiny will one day explain to all of us what we do not understand now." * * * * * At about the same hour the second act of this drama was proceeding in the torture-chamber of the Lapussa family.
Henrietta had returned home from her little tour laden with flowers, when old Demetrius sent word to her that he would like to see her in his room.

He had taken the precaution of sending Madame Langai away shortly before and Mr.John was absent at the Corn Exchange.
"My little maid, Hetty, come nearer to me," said the old gentleman, turning sideways on his couch and ferreting out from beneath his pillows a concave snuff-box, "pray do not be angry with me for putting you to inconvenience.

Bear with me for the little time I have still to live.

But if you find living under the same roof with me unendurable, all the greater reason for you to seize the opportunity of releasing yourself as quickly as possible." Henrietta was too much used to these choleric outbursts to think of replying to them.
"Pray, put your hand beneath my pillow.