The door was opened by Tita, who smiled,
and prattled, and caressed her young mistress like a lap-dog. She
recognised Jean with indifference, but a start, followed by a shudder,
seized her when she observed Haco; her terror, however, seemed to pass
away when he spoke a few soothing words to her. It was evident that a
shock, or a succession of shocks, had unsettled the poor woman's brain.
On the name of Judith being mentioned, she pointed fearfully to the
upper story. Uncertain as to her meaning, Jean cautiously ascended the
ladder, and ascertained that the sorceress was in truth there. After a
consultation it was decided that Haco and Hilda should seek her
presence.
As father and daughter entered the apartment, they saw the old woman
half-seated, half-lying, on a couch placed close to the window; her
face, which was turned seaward, was haggard, the leanness bringing into
strong relief the handsome chiselling of her profile; the sternness of
her mouth was somewhat relaxed; there was an indication almost of
softness in its corners. Her high spirit had accepted, not resented,
defeat.
As her eye fell on her two visitors there was no gleam of defiance, no
mark of anger, or even surprise; but, when Haco stood fully revealed
before her, a flash of triumph and pleasure shot into it, kindling every
feature with its glow.
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