The clock had just struck as Susan left the kitchen, and the
three servants were bustling about so as to get to bed before
their sharp-eyed old mistress found them. Susan went down the
stairs. The door of the sitting-room was closed. She knocked
but no voice told her to enter. Wondering if the bell had
been rung by mistake, Susan knocked again, and again received
no answer. She had a mind to retreat rather than face the
anger of Miss Loach. But remembering that the bell had rung,
she opened the door, determined to explain. Miss Loach was
seated in her usual chair, but leaning back with a ghastly
face. The glare of the electric lamp fixed in the ceiling,
shone full on her white countenance, and also on something
else. The bosom of her purple gown was disarranged, and the
lace which adorned it was stained with blood. Startled by her
looks Susan hurried forward and gazed searchingly into the
face. There was no sign of recognition in the wide, staring
eyes. Susan, quivering with dread, touched Miss Loach's
shoulder. Her touch upset the body and it rolled on the
floor. The woman was dead. With a shriek Susan recoiled and
fell on her knees. Her cry speedily brought the other
servants.

"Look!" cried Susan pointing, "she is dead--murdered!"

Geraldine and Mrs. Pill shrieked with horror. Thomas
preserved his stolid look of composure.