Read "The Charwoman's Shadow" by Lord Dunsany online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Gonsalvo and Gulvarez went early to the Duke's bedchamber to assure themselves that the hopes of last night were just and that the Duke would live. He still lay weakly upon his bed but his anger flamed up at once as soon as he saw them, and was the old enormous wrath they had known the last two days. Before it they backed away towards the door, and ever as they tarried fresh waves of it overtook them and seemed to sweep them further. Sometimes one would delay and stammer polite excuses, while the other backed away faster; then the rush of the Duke's anger would bear down on the one that was nearest and drive him back spluttering; and another swirl of it soon would overtake the other. So, breathless with protestations, they were both swept out, and behind the closed door the Duke's anger died into mutterings, like the croon of a tide along a deserted shore.
Descending they joined the Lady of the Tower and Father Joseph in the room where the boar-spears hung. And in answer to the anxious enquiry in his lady's eyes as they entered Gonsalvo said: "He has slept and is no weaker. But the humours of sickness have not yet left him."