blackout engine

George was silent. He found himself in that rare condition for him--perplexity. It would be most awkward if the thing came to be talked of! Some would even be fools enough to believe the story! Entire proof of madness would only make such set it down as the consequence--or, if pity prevailed, then as the cause of the deed. They might be compelled to shut him up, to avoid no end of the most frightful annoyances. But Helen, he feared, would not consent to that. And then his story was so circumstantial--and therefore so far plausible--that there was no doubt most magistrates would be ready at once to commit him for trial--and then where would there be an end of the most offensive embarrassments!