The widow presented herself, with a dogged resignation singularly unlike her customary manner.

Her eyes had a set look of hardness; her lips were fast closed; her usually colorless complexion had faded to a strange grayish pallor.

If her dead husband could have risen from the grave, and warned Mr.Keller, he would have said, "Once or twice in my life, I have seen her like that--mind what you are about!" She puzzled Mr.Keller.He tried to gain time--he bowed and pointed to a chair.

Madame Fontaine took the chair in silence.

Her hard eyes looked straight at the master of the house, overhung more heavily than usual by their drooping lids.