Often she fell . Once as she did so a jagged , dead limb of fir struck her forehead and cut in it a gash that marked her for life . As she struggled to her feet and found her way again the blood trickled down over her face . `` Oh God , do n't let him die before I get to him -- do n't -- do n't -- do n't ! '' she prayed desperately with more of defiance than entreaty in her voice . Then , realizing this , she cried out in horror . Surely some fearsome punishment would come upon her for her wickedness -- she would find her husband lying dead . When Emily opened the kitchen door of the Fair homestead Almira Sentner cried out in her alarm , who or what was this creature with the white face and wild eyes , with her torn and dripping garments and dishevelled , wind-writhen hair and the big drops of blood slowly trickling from her brow ? The next moment she recognized Emily and her face hardened . This woman , Stephen 's sister-in-law , had always hated Emily Fair . `` What do you want here ? '' she said harshly . `` Where is my husband ? '' asked Emily . `` You ca n't see him , '' said Mrs. Sentner defiantly . `` The doctors wo n't allow anyone in the room but those he 's used to . Strangers excite him . '' The insolence and cruelty of her speech fell on unheeding ears . Emily , understanding only that her husband yet lived , turned to the hall door . `` Stand back ! ''
she said XXXXX a voice that was little more than a thrilling whisper , but which yet had in it something that cowed Almira Sentner 's malice .
as before for from in on over to upon with