This is
Hell--Hell--Hell!"'
His voice had risen in pitch, and the last cry was so terrifying
that Pennyloaf fled to be out of hearing. She reached the house to
which her visit was, and in the dark passage leaned for a moment
against the wall, trembling all over. Then she began to ascend the
stairs. At Mrs. Candy's door she knocked gently. There was at first
no answer, but when she had knocked again, a strange voice that she
did not recognise asked 'Who's that?' It seemed to come from low
down, as if the speaker were lying on the floor.
'It's me,' she replied, again trembling, she knew not with what
fear. 'Mrs. Hewett--Pennyloaf.'
'Are you alone?'
She bent down, listening eagerly.
'Who's that speakin'?'
'Are you alone?'
Strange; the voice was again different, very feeble, a thick
whisper.
'Yes, there's nobody else. Can I come in?'
There was a shuffling sound, then the key turned in the lock,
Pennyloaf entered, and found herself in darkness. She shrank back.
'Who's there? Is it you, mother? Is it you, Stephen?'
Some one touched her, at the same time shutting the door; and the
voice whispered:
'Penny--it's me--Bob.
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