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Chapter LXI
The dull, red glow of a wood fire - for no lamp or candle burnt within
the room - showed him a figure, seated on the hearth with its back
towards him, bending over the fitful light. The attitude was that of one
who sought the heat. It was, and yet was not. The stooping posture
and the cowering form were there, but no hands were stretched out to
meet the grateful warmth, no shrug or shiver compared its luxury
with the piercing cold outside. With limbs huddled together, head
bowed down, arms crossed upon the breast, and fingers tightly
clenched, it rocked to and fro upon its seat without a moment's pause,
accompanying the action with the mournful sound he had heard.
The heavy door had closed behind him on his entrance, with a crash
that made him start. The figure neither spoke, nor turned to look, nor
gave in any other way the faintest sign of having heard the noise. The
form was that of an old man, his white head akin in colour to the
mouldering embers upon which he gazed. He, and the failing light and
dying fire, the time-worn room, the solitude, the wasted life, and
gloom, were all in fellowship. Ashes, and dust, and ruin!
Kit tried to speak, and did pronounce some words, though what they
were he scarcely knew. Still the same terrible low cry went on - still
the same rocking in the chair - the same stricken figure was there,
unchanged and heedless of his presence.
He had his hand upon the latch, when something in the form -
distinctly seen as one log broke and fell, and, as it fell, blazed up -
arrested it. He returned to where he had stood before - advanced a
pace - another - another still. Another, and he saw the face. Yes!
Changed as it was, he knew it well.
'
'
Master!' he cried, stooping on one knee and catching at his hand.
Dear master. Speak to me!'
The old man turned slowly towards him; and muttered in a hollow
voice,
'
This is another! - How many of these spirits there have been to-night!'
No spirit, master. No one but your old servant. You know me now, I
'
am sure? Miss Nell - where is she - where is she?'
'They all say that!' cried the old man. 'They all ask the same question.
A spirit!'
'
Where is she?' demanded Kit. 'Oh tell me but that, - but that, dear
master!'
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