CHAPTER V.MADONNA'S MISFORTUNE.
As the clown's wife ended her narrative, but little was said in the way of comment on it by those who had listened to her.

They were too much affected by what they had heard to speak, as yet, except briefly and in low voices.

Mrs.Joyce more than once raised her handkerchief to her eyes.

Her husband murmured some cordial words of sympathy and thanks--in an unusually subdued manner, however.

Valentine said nothing; but he drew his chair close to Mrs.Peckover, and turning his face away as if he did not wish it to be seen, took her hand in one of his and patted it gently with the other.