"Yes, Jasper, I hear.

Yes, sir, I'm coming.

Where's the supper tray ?" "Don't be afraid, Mrs.Thalassa," said Barrant, approaching her, but she backed hurriedly away towards the door.
"Coming with the supper tray--coming with the supper tray....

What's that?
Ah-h-h-h-h!" Her disjointed mutterings ended in a shrill scream which went ringing through the stillness and seemed to linger in the room after she had disappeared.

Barrant heard her muttering and laughing as she descended the stairs.
The sounds died away into a silence so absolute as to suggest the impression of a universe suddenly stricken dumb.