At eight o'clock, as he was still absent, supper was served to the children, who, soon after, retired for the night.

It was after eleven o'clock as we have said, before Mortimer returned.

His face was pale and haggard.

He entered quietly, by means of his night-key, and went noiselessly up to his chamber.

He found his wife lying across the bed, where, wearied with watching, she had thrown herself and fallen asleep.