Elsie shuddering and turning pale and faint at the horrible sight, ordered
an immediate and thorough cleansing of both carpet and veranda.
"Dere's hot water in de kitchen," said Aunt Phillis. "You, Sal an' Bet,
hurry up yah wid a big basin full, an' soap an' sand an' house-cloths.
Glad 'nuff dat massa shot dat ole debbil, but Miss Elsie's house not to be
defiled wid his dirty blood."
"Cold watah fust, Aunt Phillis," interposed Chloe, "cold watah fust to
take out blood-stain, den de hot after dat."
"Mammy knows; do as she directs," said Elsie, hastily retreating into her
dressing-room.
"My darling, this has been too much for you," her husband said tenderly,
helping her to lie down on a sofa.
Chloe came hurrying in with a tumbler of cold water in one hand, a bottle
of smelling salts in the other, her dusky face full of concern.
Mr. Travilla took the articles from her. "That is right, but I will attend
to your mistress," he said in a kindly tone; "and do you go and prepare a
bed for her in one of the rooms on the other side of the hall."
"It is hardly worth while, dear," said Elsie; "I don't think I can sleep
again to-night."
"Yet perhaps you may; it is only two o'clock," he said, as the timepiece
on the mantle struck the hour, "and at least you may rest a little better
than you could here.
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