Not many minutes passed when Grace heard a knock at the door--a single knock, not loud enough to reach the ears of those in the bedroom.

She went to the top of the stairs and said, faintly, "Come up," knowing that the door stood, as usual in such houses, wide open.
Retreating into the gloom of the broad landing she saw rise up the stairs a woman whom at first she did not recognize, till her voice revealed her to be Suke Damson, in great fright and sorrow.

A streak of light from the partially closed door of Grace's room fell upon her face as she came forward, and it was drawn and pale.
"Oh, Miss Melbury--I would say Mrs.Fitzpiers," she said, wringing her hands.

"This terrible news.

Is he dead?
Is he hurted very bad?
Tell me; I couldn't help coming; please forgive me, Miss Melbury--Mrs.
Fitzpiers I would say!" Grace sank down on the oak chest which stood on the landing, and put her hands to her now flushed face and head.