Alexander arrived at his town house early in the afternoon. He was met by his confidential servant, Dorset, an old man who had been in the service of the family for nearly thirty years.
“Well, Dorset, so the poor woman is gone?” sighed the young gentleman, as he entered the house.
“Yes, sir; and not too soon, with reverence be it spoken. She had grown very foolish and helpless within the last few days. She died without illness or suffering, sir. She went to bed as usual one night and was found dead next morning. Miss Drusilla, sleeping by her side, heard no sound and felt no movement, and knew nothing of what had occurred until she arose for the day.”
“How shocking! The second sudden death in the family within twelve months. And the third in all. Where is the poor girl?”
“Miss Drusilla? She has not left the corpse, sir, since the death. She is watching by it now.”
“That is very wrong. It should not have been permitted.”
“Dear sir, who was to hinder her? There is no one, or I should say, there was no one in authority here to prevent her.”
“That is very true. But go now and tell the poor child that I am here, waiting to see her.”
“Will you go to your room first, sir?”
“No, I came up by the boat and made my toilet just before landing. I will wait here for Drusilla.”