Paler and paler grew her lips , wilder and wilder her eyes , fainter and fainter her breath , till , with a long sigh , a vain effort to save herself , she sank prone upon the threshold of the door , as if struck down by death . `` Mercy on us , my lady , are you ill ? '' cried Hester , the maid , as her mistress glided into the room looking like a ghost , half an hour later . `` I am faint and cold . Help me to my bed , but do not disturb Sir Richard . '' A shiver crept over her as she spoke , and , casting a wild , woeful look about her , she laid her head upon the pillow like one who never cared to lift it up again . Hester , a sharp-eyed , middle-aged woman , watched the pale creature for a moment , then left the room muttering , `` Something is wrong , and Sir Richard must know it . That black-bearded man came for no good , I 'll warrant . '' At the door of the library she paused . No sound of voices came from within ; a stifled groan was all she heard ; and without waiting to knock she went in , fearing she knew not what . Sir Richard sat at his writing table pen in hand , but his face was hidden on his arm , and his whole attitude betrayed the presence of some overwhelming despair . `` Please , sir , my lady is ill . Shall I send for anyone ? '' No answer . Hester repeated her words , but Sir Richard never stirred . Much alarmed , the woman raised his head , saw that he was unconscious , and rang for help . But Richard Trevlyn was past help , though he lingered for some hours . He spoke but once , murmuring faintly , `` Will Alice come to say good-bye ? '' `` Bring her if she can come , '' said the physician . Hester went , found her mistress lying as she left her , like a figure carved in stone .
When she gave the message , Lady XXXXX answered sternly , `` Tell him I will not come , '' and turned her face to the wall , with an expression which daunted the woman too much for another word .
Hester Richard Sir Trevlyn death hours left library sigh wilder