Drastic.

"I came here, rushing. I have something to say to you."

"Is it what I think it is?" asked the woman with worry enmeshed like thread inside her pupils and irises. 

"It could be," said Louisa, alarmingly. "It depends on what you think it can be. But this is a dire situation. I may be found out soon. I honestly don't know who else to confide in about this.…"

"You are getting me all agitated now," said Mrs. Phellipe, flitting her eyes over to Gibson for a minute. "What is so important that your veins have stretched out like this?"

Louisa broke a sweat as she said, "I did something grave—I fear I am about to meet my Waterloo..."

"Ms. Hazel?"

"…today!"