A small black object it was, that crumpled softly
in his palm and was consumed in a flash by the flames. A moment
later he entered the kitchen, bringing consternation to the two
excited domestics, both of whom sent up cries of alarm at the sight
of his bloody face.
Meanwhile Mrs. Strong had surprised Alix in her bathroom, frantically
washing her hands. She looked up and saw the housekeeper standing
in the door behind her. The bowl was half full of reddish water.
The expression of disgust in her eyes remained for a moment and
then gave way to confusion. Neither spoke for some time.
"What are you doing?" asked Mrs. Strong.
"Oh, Aunt Nancy!" came in a choked voice from the girl's lips.
"Is that blood?"
"Yes," replied Alix, looking away.
"I--I understand. Oh, Alix,--Alix!"
"I don't know what made me do it,--I couldn't help myself. I--Oh,
it was terrible! I don't love him,--I don't love him! As long as
I live,--as long as I live, I shall never forget it. I shall never
know anything like it again. I could feel my soul being dragged out
of my body,--Oh, Aunt Nancy! What am I to do? What is to become of
me?"
"There's only one thing for you to do now," said the other, slowly,
levelly. "Stay in this room. Lock the door. Don't see him again.
Keep away from him. He's--he's bad, Alix!"
"But he is not a coward!" cried the girl eagerly.
Pages:
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247