Hard by stood a ewer filled with water, and over it a towel; he dipped this towel in the water, and suddenly clapped it upon her mouth, then he thrust a pillow upon her face, towel and all, and threw himself upon it, keeping it down until the poor suffering body ceased to throb, when he removed the pillow, and composed the features as well as he could, smoothed the coverlet, and left the room.
It was growing dark.
A shudder passed over him all at once, as he descended the stairs.
At the foot of the stairs stood revealed to his sight—or to his guilty imagination—a misty form surmounted by a face which expressed such unutterable anguish, that even the iron nerves of the murderer threatened to give way.
He made a violent effort, composed himself, and rushed through the apparition; he gained the outer air, and felt a dead faint gain upon him, he sank upon the step, and knew nought till he was aroused by a voice.
“How is the old girl upstairs?”
“She passed away in a fit whilst I was with her.”
FOOTNOTES
[40] As I write an ancient map of Exeter is before me confirming this description.