Кармілла
An Early Fright
But,childasIwas,Icouldperceivethattheirfaceswerepalewithanunwontedlookofanxiety,andIsawthemlookunderthebed,andabouttheroom,andpeepundertablesandpluckopencupboards;andthehousekeeperwhisperedtothenurse:"Layyourhandalongthathollowinthebed;someonedidliethere,sosureasyoudidnot;theplaceisstillwarm."
Irememberthenurserymaidpettingme,andallthreeexaminingmychest,whereItoldthemIfeltthepuncture,andpronouncingthattherewasnosignvisiblethatanysuchthinghadhappenedtome.
Thehousekeeperandthetwootherservantswhowereinchargeofthenursery,remainedsittingupallnight;andfromthattimeaservantalwayssatupinthenurseryuntilIwasaboutfourteen.
Iwasverynervousforalongtimeafterthis.Adoctorwascalledin,hewaspallidandelderly.HowwellIrememberhislongsaturnineface,slightlypittedwithsmallpox,andhischestnutwig.Foragoodwhile,everysecondday,hecameandgavememedicine,whichofcourseIhated.
ThemorningafterIsawthisapparitionIwasinastateofterror,andcouldnotbeartobeleftalone,daylightthoughitwas,foramoment.
Iremembermyfathercomingupandstandingatthebedside,andtalkingcheerfully,andaskingthenurseanumberofquestions,andlaughingveryheartilyatoneoftheanswers;andpattingmeontheshoulder,andkissingme,andtellingmenottobefrightened,thatitwasnothingbutadreamandcouldnothurtme
