"Helka! Helka!" soothed the woman, "be careful—what you say."
"You leave me! I could throw myself from this window," and she went toward the open casement.
"There now, girl! Mother Hull was always good to you——-"
"Go!"
The hag shuffled to the door. Turning, she watched Helka and looked toward the screen. Helka never moved, but stood like a tragedy queen, her finger pointing to the door.
It was exactly like a scene in a play. Cora was very frightened, for she could see plainly through the hinge spaces of her hiding place.
When there was no longer a step to be heard in the hall, Helka sank down on the floor and laughed as merrily as if she had been playing some absurd game.
Cora was amazed to hear that girl laugh.
"Were you frightened?" Helka asked.
"A little," replied Cora, "she has such a dreadful face."