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rushed into the house, and I found the cook pale and trembling in the passage.
"'Where is Catherine?'
"'In her room—I—I think.'
"'Then, who screamed?'
"'But—but I don't know. Perhaps she did.'
"'And why don't you go to her help?'
"'The door is locked,' said she, looking aghast.
"I rushed to the door. I shook it with all my strength.
"'Catherine, open! What's the matter?'
"At the sound of my voice the poor girl came back to life.
"With another mighty shake I burst the lock. The door opened.
"I had just time enough to catch sight of the girl in her blood-stained chemise.
"Her loose hair was all dishevelled. Her eyes were gleaming with a wild fire. Her face was contorted by pain, shame, and madness. She looked like Cassandra after she had been violated by Ajax's soldiers.
