"These things went on for over a month, and Uncle Edward certainly deteriorated in every way. He spent the greater part of both day and night in the gallery, begging of me to come with him, imploring me to listen for the voice. During that month he spent a large fortune in precious stones for Siva, showing them to me first before he decorated the hideous thing with them. I felt wild with misery, and all the time Jasper was here watching and watching. At the end of the first month there came a distinct change. Uncle Edward, who had been devoted to me up to then, began to show a new attitude. He now began to dislike to have me in his presence, often asking me as a special favour to leave the room. One day he said to me: "'Do you keep your door locked at night?' "I laughed when he spoke. "'Certainly not,' I answered. "'I wish you would do so,' he said very earnestly; 'will you, as a personal favour to me?' "Jasper was in the room when he spoke. I saw a queer light flashing through his eyes, and then he bent over his book as if he had not heard. "'As a special favour to me, keep your door locked, Helen,' said Uncle Edward. "I made him a soothing answer, and pretended to assent. Of course I never locked my door. Then Jasper began to talk to me. He said that Uncle Edward was not only mad, but that his mania was assuming a terrible form, and against me. He said that my life was in danger--he thought to frighten me--little he knew!" Here the brave girl drew herself up, indignation sweeping over her face and filling her eyes. "I told him I did not believe a word of what he said; I declared that Uncle Edward could not hate me--is he not the one I love best in the world? Jasper grew very angry. "'Look here, Helen,' he said, 'I know enough to lock him up.' "'To lock him up in a lunatic asylum?' I cried. "'Yes,' he answered. 'I have only to get two doctors to certify to the fact of his insanity, and the deed is done. I have made up my mind to do it.' "'You could never be so cruel,' I replied. 'Think of his grey hairs, Jasper,' I pleaded. 'He is the dearest to me in all the world; you could not take his liberty away. Do just respect his one little craze; believe me, he is not really mad. Go away if you are afraid of him; I am not. Oh, why don't you leave us both in peace?' "'I dare not,' he answered. 'I love you, and I am determined you shall marry me. Engage yourself to me at once, and I will do nothing to take away Uncle Edward's liberty for at least a month.'