I went into the room, followed by the servant-woman, and was amazed to find that it, like the one below, was wainscoted, and that nothing like drapery was to be found near the door.
'Where is it?' said I; 'what has become of it?'
'What does your ladyship wish to know?' said the old woman.
'Where is the black curtain that fell across the door, when I attempted first to come to my chamber?' answered I.
'The cross of Christ about us!' said the old woman, turning suddenly pale.
'What is the matter, my good friend?' said I; 'you seem frightened.'
'Oh no, no, your ladyship,' said the old woman, endeavouring to conceal her agitation; but in vain, for tottering towards a chair, she sank into it, looking so deadly pale and horror-struck that I thought every moment she would faint.
'Merciful God, keep us from harm and danger!' muttered she at length.
'What can have terrified you so?' said I, beginning to fear that she had seen something more than had met my eye. 'You appear ill, my poor woman!'
'Nothing, nothing, my lady,' said she, rising. 'I beg your ladyship's pardon for making so bold. May the great God defend us from misfortune!'