She stepped in ahead of me, hunching up her body. The disorder struck me ... my home was usually so neat ... and my dressing gown ... my run-down slippers—
"An awkward hour for a visit, I know," said Aunt Finot, sitting down. "Are you feeling quite well, dear?"
"Dear" in that mouth with lips like two tight-drawn catguts! It stabbed like a dagger.... She sat perched on the edge of the chair twisting the straps of her hand-bag. The lamplight threw dusky shadows on her skeleton frame and turned her eyes into the sharp-gleaming eyes of an executioner. My God!
"Has anything happened," I asked, "anything dreadful?"
"You see, dear ... don't get excited ... listen...."
"Dead!"
An abyss yawned at my feet, something flashed and grazed my eyelids. I...
My aunt rose slowly. I saw her hands on the table knotted like a tangle of cords.
"Don't get excited. Your family received bad news, I don't know from what source. I asked them if it was official. They were all half crazy—afraid to come and tell you.... I always felt an affection for you, you know...."
"Yes, yes, I understand; he's dead."