'Who is this?' he asked. Then: 'It can't be Mrs. Powell?' It was. He ran to her. 'My dear friend, what has happened to you since I saw you last?'
The old woman, grasping the banister with both hands, looked down at him.
'I have seen Him face to face!'
'Seen whom?'
'Christ. I have stood before the judgment-seat of God.'
There was a quality in her voice which, combined with the singularity and even horror of her appearance, caused them to stare at her with doubting eyes. Mr. Treadman put a question to the servant, who still lingered in the passage:
'What does she mean? What has taken place?'
The girl began again to whimper.
'I don't know. I want to go--I daren't stop--I'm frightened!'
Mr. Treadman ascended to the old woman.