Edith and her sister sat listening for some minutes after Marion had left, but not a movement could they perceive in the adjoining chamber.
"Strange! What can it mean ?" at length said Miriam, in a husky whisper.
Edith breathed heavily to relieve the pressure on her bosom, but made no answer.
"He didn't strike her ?" said Miriam, her face growing paler as she made this suggestion.
The moment this was uttered, Edith arose quickly and moved towards the door.
"Where are you going ?" asked her sister.
"Into Mrs.Marion's room." "Oh no, don't!" returned Miriam, speaking from some vague fear that made her heart shrink.
But Edith did not heed the words.

Her light tap at Mrs.Marion's door was not answered.

Opening it softly, she stepped within the chamber.

On the bed, where she had evidently thrown herself, lay Mrs.Marion; and, on approaching and bending over her, Edith discovered that she was sleeping.

On perceiving this, she retired as noiselessly as she had entered.
Ten, eleven, twelve o'clock came; and yet Mr.Marion had not returned.
An hour later than this, Edith and her sister lay awake, but up to that time he was still away.