He was not only absent in the city every day, but his mind was so fully occupied when at home, that he took little interest in the family circle.

Sometimes he remained alone in the library until a late hour at night; and his sleep, when he did retire, was not sound; a fact but too well known to his wakeful partner.
All through this day there was an unusual pressure on the feelings of Mrs.Markland.When she inquired of herself as to the cause, she tried to be satisfied with assigning it wholly to the remarks of her sister-in-law, and not to any really existing source of anxiety.

But in this she was far from being successful; and the weight continued to grow heavier as the hours moved on.

Earlier than she had expected its return, the carriage was announced, and Mrs.Markland, with a suddenly-lightened heart, went tripping over the lawn to meet her husband at the outer gate.

"Where is Mr.Markland ?" she exclaimed, growing slightly pale, on reaching the carriage, and seeing that it was empty.
"Gone to New York," answered the coachman, at the same time handing a letter.
"To New York! When did he go ?" Mrs.Markland's thoughts were thrown into sudden confusion.
"He went at five o'clock, on business.