Overcome with grief and fear she remained with bowed head until a sudden
sharp cry from Tabitha brought her to her feet.
"Well," said the old woman, going to the door.
"Where are you?" cried Tabitha, somewhat reassured by her voice.
"In Miss Eunice's bedroom. Do you want anything?"
"Come down at once. Quick! I am unwell."
Her voice rose suddenly to a scream. "Quick! For God's sake! Quick,
or I shall go mad. There is some strange woman in the house."
The old woman stumbled hastily down the dark stairs. "What is the
matter?" she cried, entering the room. "Who is it? What do you mean?"
"I saw it," said Tabitha, grasping her convulsively by the shoulder. "I
was coming to you when I saw the figure of a woman in front of me going
up the stairs. Is it--can it be Ursula come for the soul of Eunice, as
she said she would?"
"Or for yours?" said Martha, the words coming from her in some odd
fashion, despite herself.
Tabitha, with a ghastly look, fell cowering by her side, clutching
tremulously at her clothes. "Light the lamps," she cried hysterically.
"Light a fire, make a noise; oh, this dreadful darkness! Will it never
be day!"
"Soon, soon," said Martha, overcoming her repugnance and trying to
pacify her.
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