Кармілла
The Meeting
Istoodatthedoor,peepingthroughthesmallcrevice,myswordlaidonthetablebesideme,asmydirectionsprescribed,until,alittleafterone,Isawalargeblackobject,veryill-defined,crawl,asitseemedtome,overthefootofthebed,andswiftlyspreaditselfuptothepoorgirl’sthroat,whereitswelled,inamoment,intoagreat,palpitatingmass.
"ForafewmomentsIhadstoodpetrified.Inowsprangforward,withmyswordinmyhand.Theblackcreaturesuddenlycontractedtowardsthefootofthebed,glidedoverit,and,standingontheflooraboutayardbelowthefootofthebed,withaglareofskulkingferocityandhorrorfixedonme,IsawMillarca.SpeculatingIknownotwhat,Istruckatherinstantlywithmysword;butIsawherstandingnearthedoor,unscathed.Horrified,Ipursued,andstruckagain.Shewasgone;andmyswordflewtoshiversagainstthedoor.
"Ican’tdescribetoyouallthatpassedonthathorriblenight.Thewholehousewasupandstirring.ThespecterMillarcawasgone.Buthervictimwassinkingfast,andbeforethemorningdawned,shedied."
TheoldGeneralwasagitated.Wedidnotspeaktohim.Myfatherwalkedtosomelittledistance,andbeganreadingtheinscriptionsonthetombstones;andthusoccupied,hestrolledintothedoorofasidechapeltoprosecutehisresearches.TheGeneralleanedagainstthewall,driedhiseyes,andsighedheavily.IwasrelievedonhearingthevoicesofCarmillaandMadame,whowereatthatmomentapproaching.Thevoicesdiedaway.
