Tabitha’s gaze fell.  “She has always suffered with her heart,” she muttered; “the night has frightened her; it frightened me.”

She stood upright by the foot of the bed as Martha drew the sheet over the face of the dead woman.

“First Ursula, then Eunice,” said Tabitha, drawing a deep breath.  “I can’t stay here.  I’ll dress and wait for the morning.”

She left the room as she spoke, and with bent head proceeded to her own.  Martha remained by the bedside, and gently closing the staring eyes, fell on her knees, and prayed long and earnestly for the departed soul.  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.  “When the day comes you will laugh at these fears.”

“I murdered her,” screamed the miserable woman, “I killed her with fright.  Why did she not give me the money?  ’Twas no use to her.  Ah!  Look there!”

Martha, with a horrible fear, followed her glance to the door, but saw nothing.

“It’s Ursula,” said Tabitha from between her teeth.  “Keep her off!  Keep her off!”

The old woman, who by some unknown sense seemed to feel the presence of a third person in the room, moved a step forward and stood before her.  As she did so Tabitha waved her arms as though to free herself from the touch of a detaining hand, half rose to her feet, and without a word fell dead before her.