Ellen rose and went upstairs. As she reached the upper step she heard the door of her father's office open and the undertaker come into the hall. At once the three black figures crossed to the office. She heard whispers and the door was closed.
She did not know whether an hour had passed or only a few minutes when she heard her name called solemnly. Grandfather stood by the parlor table, a tablet in his hand. His black eyes gleamed, his old hand shook. Matthew's eyes were bent upon the floor and Amos looked at Ellen in a frightened way.
Grandfather stepped between Ellen and the door and closed it. It seemed to her that she was shut into prison with three jailers.
"What is the matter?" she asked.
"That is what we have to ask you, Ellen," said Grandfather. "What is this paper?"
Ellen recognized the writing which she had begun at her father's command.
"That is mine, Grandfather. Please give it to me."
Grandfather held out the paper so that she might read, but he did not relinquish it.
"Did you write those words?"
"Yes."