"Now, sir," she added, turning to me, "you have the facts as they
occurred. I have no wish to give them publicity, for they are family
matters, and these are always in their degree, sacred. If, however,
you think it your duty as a physician, to make the matter one of
official investigation, I can have nothing to say."
I thought for some minutes before answering. The story, as related
by the servant, I fully credited.
"Let me see the body again," said I, coming at length to a
conclusion.
We went up stairs, all three together; but only two of us entered
the chamber of death. As we neared the door, Blanche caught at her
mother's arm, and I heard her say, in a whisper:
"Dear mamma! spare me that sight again. It is too horrible!"
"The presence of your daughter is not needed," said I, interposing.
"Let her retire to her own room."
"Thank you!" There was a grateful expression in her voice, as she
uttered these brief words, and then went back, while we passed in to
the apartment where the dead woman was still lying.
As I looked upon her face again, it seemed even more ghastly than
before; and I could hardly repress a shudder.
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