Mrs. Brigham, watching, felt
herself cold with horror.
Finally Henry ceased and stood with the sword in hand and raised as
if to strike, surveying the shadow on the wall threateningly. Mrs.
Brigham toddled back across the hall and shut the south room door
behind her before she related what she had seen.
"He looked like a demon!" she said again. "Have you got any of
that old wine in the house, Caroline? I don't feel as if I could
stand much more."
Indeed, she looked overcome. Her handsome placid face was worn and
strained and pale.
"Yes, there's plenty," said Caroline; "you can have some when you
go to bed."
"I think we had all better take some," said Mrs. Brigham. "Oh, my
God, Caroline, what--"
"Don't ask and don't speak," said Caroline.
"No, I am not going to," replied Mrs. Brigham; "but--"
Rebecca moaned aloud.
"What are you doing that for?" asked Caroline harshly.
"Poor Edward," returned Rebecca.
"That is all you have to groan for," said Caroline. "There is
nothing else."
"I am going to bed," said Mrs. Brigham. "I sha'n't be able to be
at the funeral if I don't."
Soon the three sisters went to their chambers and the south parlour
was deserted.
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