The square was overlooked from its remoter corner by the house of which the young girl had spoken, a dignified residence of considerable size, having several windows on each floor.

Inside one of these, on the first floor, the apartment being a large drawing-room, sat a lady, in appearance from twenty-eight to thirty years of age.

The blinds were still undrawn, and the lady was absently surveying the weird scene without, her cheek resting on her hand.

The room was unlit from within, but enough of the glare from the market-place entered it to reveal the lady's face.

She was what is called an interesting creature rather than a handsome woman; dark-eyed, thoughtful, and with sensitive lips.
A man sauntered into the room from behind and came forward.
'O, Edith, I didn't see you,' he said.