At supper time food was sent again to her room; but, save part of a cup of tea, nothing was tasted.

After tea, Mrs.Darlington called again at her room, but the desire to be excused from seeing her was repeated.

Marion did not return that night.
Nearly a week passed, the husband still remaining away, and not once during that time had Mrs.Marion been seen by any member of the family.
At the end of this period, she sent word to Mrs.Darlington that she would be glad to see her.
When the latter entered her room, she found her lying upon the bed, with a face so pale and grief-stricken, that she could not help an exclamation of painful surprise.
"My dear madam, what has happened ?" said she, as she took her hand.
Mrs.Marion was too much overcome by emotion to be able to speak for some moments.

Acquiring self-possession at length, she said, in a low, sad voice-- "My heart is almost broken, Mrs.Darlington.I feel crushed to the very ground.

How shall I speak of what I am suffering ?" Her voice quivered and failed.