And now, with a counterpane about my shoulders, I called loudly and imploringly, in my horror, to know what had happened.
But I heard only the subdued and eager talk of men engaged in some absorbing task, and the dull sounds of some heavy body being moved.
Mrs.Rusk came towards us looking half wild, and pale as a spectre, and putting her thin hands to my shoulders, she said--'Now, Miss Maud, darling, you must go back again; 'tisn't no place for you; you'll see all, my darling, time enough--you will.

There now, there, like a dear, do get into your room.' What was that dreadful sound?
Who had entered my father's chamber?
It was the visitor whom we had so long expected, with whom he was to make the unknown journey, leaving me alone.

The intruder was Death!.