I think it was old L'Amour, but I could not be
quite certain. There was a lantern on the top of the balustrade, close by
the door. The chaise-lamps were lighted, for the night was rather dark. A
bag and valise, as well as I could see, were pulled from the interior by
the post-boy, and a box from the top of the vehicle, and these were carried
into the hall.
I was obliged to keep my cheek against the window-pane to command a view
of the point of debarkation, and my breath upon the glass, which dimmed it
again almost as fast as I wiped it away, helped to obscure my vision. But
I saw a tall figure, in a cloak, get down and swiftly enter the house, but
whether male or female I could not discern.
My heart beat fast. I jumped at once to a conclusion. My uncle was
worse--was, in fact, dying; and this was the physician, too late summoned
to his bedside.
I listened for the ascent of the doctor, and his entrance at my uncle's
door, which, in the stillness of the night, I thought I might easily hear,
but no sound reached me. I listened so for fully five minutes, but
without result. I returned to the window, but the carriage and horses had
disappeared.
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