That she had wept many bitter tears since the terrible Christmas morning was evident; there were dark circles under her beautiful eyes that told of sleepless nights.

She sat in a comfortable armchair, facing the window; and looked steadily out at the dreary winter scene with eyes that apparently saw nothing.

Her hands lay idly on her lap, and now and then she caught her breath in a way that was half a sob and half a gasp.
Presently the sheriff himself entered the room.
"Mrs.Brenton," he said, "there is a gentleman here who wishes to see you.

Mr.Roland, he tells me his name is, an old friend of yours.

Do you care to see any one ?" The lady turned her head slowly round, and looked at the sheriff for a moment, seemingly not understanding what he said.