The dew was heavy on the pastures; the last remnants of wind were dropping down to sleep. Life and the world seemed now as full of repose as this morning they had been instinct with tragedy, and with rapid, terrifying motion. No glimmer in any of the cottages, no moon to light the rich purple recesses of darkness which enveloped the sea. Henry led the way among the winding foot-paths--a way which he could have trodden blindfold--the others followed in complete silence.
As they neared the house, a solitary light appeared,--it was in Miss Ellen's window.
Henry threw some pebbles up at the glass, and presently the pane was opened, and the invalid appeared. She was still quite dressed.
"Let us in, Miss Ellen," said Mr. Fowler, in subdued accents. "Let us in--we could not rest till morning. Mr. Percivale has news for you."
"One moment--I will send some one down to you."
She disappeared, and for several silent minutes they waited in the porch. A great bush of lemon-scented verbena grew there. Claud used to pull a leaf of it and crush it in his hand whenever he came in or out. Now, in the still night, the strong fragrance reeked from it, and to each of the three men waiting there, that scent always afterwards recalled that scene.
The bolts were drawn at last, and there stood Jane Gollop, in night attire of the most wondrous aspect.
"Come in, gentlemen," said she, in subdued accents and a husky voice which told of bitter weeping. "You must come upstairs into Miss Willoughby's room, if you wish to see her; as you know, she can't come down to you. Will you kindly tread very softly, please?"
"I'll wait down here for you two," whispered Claud.
"No, no, my boy. Come up with me," returned Mr. Fowler, firmly.
In single file they followed Jane up the staircase, in a silence broken only by the ticking of the great clock on the stairs.
Miss Ellen sat upright on her sofa, awaiting them. As they entered, she held up a warning finger, and said, "Hush!"
Following the direction of her eyes, they noticed that a screen had been drawn round the bed, hiding it from view. They waited, and so silent were they, that from behind this screen a low, regular breathing was audible.
Miss Willoughby looked at her visitors with a sort of defiance--a noble defiance--on her worn face. Her eyes were luminous and steadfast.