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.

My companion held a lamp; while I made as careful an examination as was possible under the circumstances.