Suddenly Mrs. Otis caught sight of a dull red stain on the floor just by the fireplace, and, quite unconscious of what it really signified, said to Mrs.Umney, "I am afraid something has been spilt there.""Yes, madam," replied the old housekeeper in a low voice, "blood has been spilt on that spot."
"How horrid!" cried Mrs. Otis; "I don't at all care for blood-stains in a sitting-room. It must be removed at once."