“The spirit of darkness has aided me,” cried Teresa, as Rose departed on her terrible errand. “The deed will now be done.”
Though not many minutes elapsed before Rose returned, it seemed a century to Teresa. She could scarcely restrain herself from going to the room occupied by the victim.
At length, Rose reappeared, bringing the phial with her. Teresa received it with trembling fingers.
“Has she taken the drops?” inquired Teresa, in a scarcely articulate voice.
“She has,” replied Rose. “She was very unwilling to take them, but Miss Barfleur and myself persuaded her.”
“You did right,” observed Teresa. “She will be well before morning.”
“I hope so,” said Rose. “But you look very ill yourself, ma'am.”
“I am ill,” replied Teresa. “But don't mind me. Go back to Miss Calverley. I hope I shall now get some sleep.”
As soon as Rose was gone, Teresa again locked the door.
Amid the turmoil of thoughts that agitated her, she preserved a sort of calm that enabled her to go through the business she had to do.