CHAPTER VI.
One September evening, four months later, when Mrs.Barnet was in perfect health, and Mrs.Downe but a weakening memory, an errand-boy paused to rest himself in front of Mr.Barnet's old house, depositing his basket on one of the window-sills.

The street was not yet lighted, but there were lights in the house, and at intervals a flitting shadow fell upon the blind at his elbow.

Words also were audible from the same apartment, and they seemed to be those of persons in violent altercation.

But the boy could not gather their purport, and he went on his way.
Ten minutes afterwards the door of Barnet's house opened, and a tall closely-veiled lady in a travelling-dress came out and descended the freestone steps.

The servant stood in the doorway watching her as she went with a measured tread down the street.