But instantly she was reassured by the tremulous accents without.
"It's me, ma'am,--Matilda.

Let me in--quick!" The next instant the door opened and Matilda half staggered, half fell, into the room.

But such a Matilda! Shivering all over, eyes wildly staring.
"What is it ?" cried Mrs.De Peyster, seizing her housekeeper's arm.
"Oh, ma--ma--ma'am," chattered Matilda.

"It's--it's awful!" "But what is it ?" demanded Mrs.De Peyster, beginning to tremble with an unknown terror.
"Oh, it's--it's awful! I couldn't get you word before--for I didn't dare write, and my sister wasn't well enough for me to leave her till last night." Mrs.De Peyster shook the shaking Matilda.
"Will you please tell me what's happened!" "Yes, ma--ma'am.

Here's a copy of the first paper that had anything about it.