"Hush, Hannah! I have a word to say to the woman. You have done your duty in excluding, now let me do mine in admitting her. I was near, and listened to both you and her. I think this is a peculiar case--I must at least examine into it. Young woman, rise, and pass before me into the house."

     With difficulty I obeyed him. Presently I stood within that clean, bright kitchen--on the very hearth--trembling, sickening; conscious of an aspect in the last degree ghastly, wild, and weather-beaten. The two ladies, their brother, Mr. St. John, the old servant, were all gazing at me.

     "St. John, who is it?" I heard one ask.

     "I cannot tell: I found her at the door," was the reply.

     "She does look white," said Hannah.

     "As white as clay or death," was responded. "She will fall: let her sit."

     And indeed my head swam: I dropped, but a chair received me. I still possessed my senses, though just now I could not speak.