Page:Teleny, or The Reverse of the Medal, t. I.djvu/170

 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.