became suddenly overcast with clouds, a curious stillness seemed to
hold the atmosphere, a great flight of rooks passed silently over
their heads, and, before they reached the house, some big drops of
rain had fallen.

Standing on the steps to receive them was an old woman, neatly
dressed in black silk, with a white cap and apron. This was Mrs.
Umney, the housekeeper, whom Mrs. Otis, at Lady Canterville's
earnest request, had consented to keep on in her former position.
She made them each a low curtsey as they alighted, and said in a
quaint, old-fashioned manner, 'I bid you welcome to Canterville
Chase.' Following her, they passed through the fine Tudor hall into
the library, a long, low room, panelled in black oak, at the end of
which was a large stained-glass window. Here they found tea laid
out for them, and, after taking off their wraps, they sat down and
began to look round, while Mrs. Umney waited on them.

Suddenly Mrs. Otis caught sight of a dull red stain on the floor
just by the fireplace and, quite unconscious of what it really
signified, said to Mrs. Umney, 'I am afraid something has been spilt
there.'

'Yes, madam,' replied the old housekeeper in a low voice, 'blood has
been spilt on that spot.'

'How horrid,' cried Mrs. Otis; 'I don't at all care for blood-stains
in a sitting-room. It must be removed at once.'

The old woman smiled, and answered in the same low, mysterious
voice, 'It is the blood of Lady Eleanore de Canterville, who was