First she thought that Alaric was dismissed, then that he was dead; was it not possible that Harry had named Alaric's name to deceive her?
might not this misfortune, whatever it was, be with Charley?
might not he be dead?
Oh! better so than the other.

She knew, and said as much to herself over and over again; but she did not the less feel that his death must involve her own also.
At last the dining-room door opened, and she heard her mother's step on the stairs.

Her heart beat so that she could hardly support herself.

She did not get up, but sat quite quiet, waiting for the tidings which she knew that she should now hear.

Her mother's face, when she entered the room, nearly drove her to despair; Mrs.Woodward had been crying, bitterly, violently, convulsively crying; and when one has reached the age of forty, the traces of such tears are not easily effaced even from a woman's cheek.
'Mamma, mamma, what is it?
pray, pray tell me; oh! mamma, what is it ?' said Katie, jumping up and rushing into her mother's arms.
'Oh! Katie,' said Mrs.Woodward, 'why are you not in bed?
Oh! my darling, I wish you were in bed; I do so wish you were in bed--my child, my child!' and, seating herself in the nearest chair, Mrs.
Woodward again gave herself up to uncontrolled weeping.
Then Linda came up with the copious tears still streaming down her face.