29 MARCH 1997, Page 59

No. 1978: Mid-Victorian madness

You are invited to supply a scene from a melodramatic mid-Victorian novel ending with the words: 'Hopkins, this is not hyste- ria. This is a possession of the devil. Fetch the chloroform.' Maximum 150 words. A fiver to anyone who can identify the quota- tion. Entries to 'Competition No. 1978' by 10 April.