The widow Scott, who had
felt the danger growing as the day wore on, was the first to react.
She was up and out of her chair, and pulling back on the carpet before
her son had a chance to stand clear.
"Michael, quickly!" And she forced her trembling hands to find the
latch, and pull open the trap door.
"Michael, quickly!" And she forced her trembling hands to find the
latch, and pull open the trap door.
Michael moved toward the opening, then turned to say a last word to
his betrothed. But by chance his eyes lighted on her portrait, and for
the first time he saw the bullet-hole at her throat. In horror he
thought of Stephen Purceville, and in a flash read between the lines
of what the women had (and had not) told him. And even as his mother
tried to urge him down the steps, he reached out and took his lover by
the wrist.
"Mary, too! Until we're sure!" She nodded gratefully, not wanting to
be parted from him, and the two descended.
"Remember my words," the widow whispered through the crack, before
sealing them in darkness. "You must be willing to sacrifice me.
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