Chapter 14: XIV

XIV The shock made me utter an exclamation. “What is the matter? What is the matter?” she asked in a strange voice. She was looking pale, and her eyes were dim. “What is the matter?” I reechoed. “Why, the fact that you are here!” “If I am here, I have come with all that I have to bring,” she said. “Such has always been my way, as you shall presently see. Please light a candle.” I did so; whereupon she rose, approached the table, and laid upon it an open letter. “Read it,” she a…