Irving's manager, a large, red-headed man with a pointed heard, came hurrying from the wings.
"Help me with her," Irving said. They gently lowered her to the stage.
"Angeline?" said Stoker. He picked up her hand and patted her wrist. There wasno response. He placed his hand upon her forehead, then felt her pulse. "Dear God," he said. "She's dead!”
Irving gaped at him, thunderstruck. -Dead!" lie shook his head. "No, that's not possible. She merely swooned."
"There is no pulse, I tell you!" said Stoker. tic bent down and put his car close to her mouth and nose. "Nothing. Not a whisper of a breath.”
"Mother of God," said Irving. "And I said she wasas white as a corpse!" He put his hand to his mouth.
Stoker felt for a pulse in her throat. He shook his head with resignation. "Her heart's stopped beating," he said "Hello? What's this?"
He pulled aside the lace at her throat. There were two small marks over her jugular vein.
"What is it, Bram?" said Irving.
"Take a look," said Stoker.
"Pinpricks?"
"More like bite marks," Stoker said.
"What?"
"Look how pale she is," said Stoker softly. "White as a corpse," he murmured, repeating Irving's words.
"What are you talking about?" said Irving.
"I am almost afraid to say it," Stoker said. "Perhaps my imagination is merely overactive. But those marks are not imaginary."
"Bram, for God's sake! What is it?"
"Have you read Carmilla. by Le Fanu?” Stoker said.
Irving stared at him uncomprehendingly. " What? Sheridan LeFanu, the novelist? What are you… “ His voice trailed off as he stared at the marks on Angeline's throat. "You mean that story about a countess who was a-" He caught himself and lowered his voice so that only Stoker could hear him, "-a vampire?" He swallowed hard and shook his head. "No, no, that is absurd, a fantasy. Such creatures don't exist."
"How can we say for certain?" Stoker said. "I admit it sounds incredible. Henry. but how else can you explain those marks upon her throat?"
"She must have accidentally stabbed herself with something. a brooch. perhaps."
"Twice? Both times, directly overthe jugular vein
"No. I have heard enough." said Irving. "I am sending everyone home before you have the entire cast in a panic."
"I do not think that would be wise," said Stoker. "The police will probably want to question everyone."
"The police! Must we have the police?"
"I see no avoiding it." said Stoker. "We have a dead young woman on our hands and no explanation for her demise. The police will have to be called in. An investigation must he
Irving passed his hand riser his eyes. "Oh, dear Heaven! Very well, Bram, you handle everything. But for God's sake, be careful what you tell them! Please, make no fanciful suggestions. As for myself, I am quite done in by all of this. God, she died in my very arms! If the police wish to speak with me, they can find me at home, but if there is any way it can be avoided- "I will handle things. Henry." said Stoker.
"Yes. Yes, you'll see to everything, won't you?"
"I always do," said Stoker.
"And for Heaven's sake, no wild theories about… you know."