wonderfully interesting study. I wish I could get some glimpse of his
mind or of the cause of his sudden passion. Stop; there may be a clue
after all, if we can find why to-day his paroxysms came on at high noon
and at sunset. Can it be that there is a malign influence of the sun at
periods which affects certain natures--as at times the moon does others?
We shall see.
_Telegram, Seward, London, to Van Helsing, Amsterdam._
_4 September._--Patient still better to-day.
_Telegram, Seward, London, to Van Helsing, Amsterdam._
_5 September._--Patient greatly improved. Good appetite; sleeps
naturally; good spirits; colour coming back.
_Telegram, Seward, London, to Van Helsing, Amsterdam._
_6 September._--Terrible change for the worse. Come at once; do not
lose an hour. I hold over telegram to Holmwood till have seen you.
CHAPTER X
_Letter, Dr. Seward to Hon. Arthur Holmwood._
_6 September._
My dear Art,--
My news to-day is not so good. Lucy this morning had gone back a bit.
There is, however, one good thing which has arisen from it; Mrs.
Westenra was naturally anxious concerning Lucy, and has consulted me
professionally about her. I took advantage of the opportunity, and told
119