CHAPTER IX.
IT was within an hour of daylight when Mrs.Howland, worn down by her long vigil, fell asleep, and an hour after the sun had risen, before her troubled slumber was broken.

Then starting up, she eagerly inquired of her husband, who had already arisen, and was walking about the room, if Andrew had yet returned.

Mr.Howland merely shook his head.
Soon after, breakfast was announced, and the family assembled at the table; but one place was vacant.
"Where is Andrew ?" asked Mary.
No answer was made to this question; and Mary saw by the expression of her parents faces, that to repeat it would not be agreeable.

A few moments afterward the bell rung.

As the steps of a servant were heard moving along the passage toward the door, Mr.and Mrs.Howland sat listening in breathless expectation.