The sound that had fallen upon her ear had also reached the ears of the mother.
"Oh! it's father!" fell almost wildly from the daughter's lips, and she sprang out into the hall, and forth to meet him in the drenching rain.

Mrs.Markland could not rise, but sat, nerveless, until the husband entered the room.
"Oh, Edward! Edward!" she then exclaimed, rising, and staggering forward to meet him.

"Thank our kind Father in heaven that you are with us again!" And her head sunk upon his bosom, and she felt his embracing arms drawn tightly around her.

How exquisitely happy she was for the moment! But she was aroused by the exclamation of Fanny:-- "Oh, father! How pale you look!" Mrs.Markland raised herself quickly, and gazed into her husband's face.

What a fearful change was there! He was pale and haggard; and in his bloodshot eyes she read a volume of wretchedness.
"Oh, Edward! what has happened ?" she asked, eagerly and tenderly.
"More than I dare tell you!" he replied, in a voice full of despair.
"Perhaps I can divine the worst." Markland had turned his face partly away, that he might conceal its expression.