The House of Souls
before it in his inmost soul, and thought, unconsciously, of Dr. Phillips's words, 'the most vivid presentment of evil I have ever seen.' He turned the paper over mechanically in his hand and glanced at the back.
'Good God! Clarke, what is the matter? You are as white as death.'
Villiers had started wildly from his chair, as Clarke fell back with a groan, and let the paper drop from his hands.
'I don't feel very well, Villiers, I am subject to these attacks. Pour me out a little wine; thanks, that will do. I shall feel better in a few minutes.'
Villiers picked up the fallen sketch and turned it over as Clarke had done.
'You saw that?' he said. 'That's how I identified it as being a portrait of Herbert's wife, or I should say his widow. How do you feel now?'
'Better, thanks, it was only a passing faintness. I don't think I quite catch your meaning. What did you say enabled you to identify the picture?'
'This word "Helen" written on the back. Didn't I tell you her name was Helen? Yes; Helen Vaughan.'
Clarke groaned; there could be no shadow of doubt.
'Now, don't you agree with me,' said Villiers, 'that in the story I have told you to-night, and in the part this woman plays in it, there are some very strange points?'
'Yes, Villiers,' Clarke muttered, 'it is a strange story indeed; a strange story indeed. You must give me time to think it over; I may be able to help you or I may not. Must you be going now? Well, good-night, Villiers, good-night. Come and see me in the course of a week.'
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