"She has killed herself!" cried Sarah, running in terror to the door.
"Stop!" said the voice from the bed, more resolute than ever, already. "Stop! Come back and prop me up higher on the pillows."
Sarah put her hand on the bolt.
"Come back!" reiterated Mrs. Treverton. "While there is life in me, I will be obeyed. Come back!" The color began to deepen perceptibly all over her face, and the light to grow brighter in her widely opened eyes.
Sarah came back; and with shaking hands added one more to the many pillows which supported the dying woman's head and shoulders. While this was being done the bed-clothes became a little discomposed. Mrs. Treverton shuddered, and drew them up to their former position, close round her neck.
"Did you unbolt the door?" she asked.
"No."
"I forbid you to go near it again. Get my writing-case, and the pen and ink, from the cabinet near the window."
Sarah went to the cabinet and opened it; then stopped, as if some sudden suspicion had crossed her mind, and asked what the writing materials were wanted for.
"Bring them, and you will see."