Could she order Suke Damson down-stairs and out of the house?
Her husband might be brought in at any moment, and what would happen?
But could she order this genuinely grieved woman away?
There was a dead silence of half a minute or so, till Suke said, "Why don't ye speak?
Is he here?
Is he dead?
If so, why can't I see him--would it be so very wrong ?" Before Grace had answered somebody else came to the door below--a foot-fall light as a roe's.

There was a hurried tapping upon the panel, as if with the impatient tips of fingers whose owner thought not whether a knocker were there or no.

Without a pause, and possibly guided by the stray beam of light on the landing, the newcomer ascended the staircase as the first had done.

Grace was sufficiently visible, and the lady, for a lady it was, came to her side.
"I could make nobody hear down-stairs," said Felice Charmond, with lips whose dryness could almost be heard, and panting, as she stood like one ready to sink on the floor with distress.

"What is--the matter--tell me the worst! Can he live ?" She looked at Grace imploringly, without perceiving poor Suke, who, dismayed at such a presence, had shrunk away into the shade.
Mrs.Charmond's little feet were covered with mud; she was quite unconscious of her appearance now.