Yet hope was not quite stilled.

I would look again and perhaps discover that my own eyes had been at fault, that there were no marks, or if marks, not just the ones my fancy had painted there.
Turning, I let my glance fall first on the feet.

I had not noted them before, and I was startled to see that the arctics in which they were clad were filled all around with snow.

She had walked then, as the other was walking now; she, who detested every effort and was of such delicate make that exertion of unusual kind could not readily be associated with her.

Had she come alone or in Carmel's company, and if in Carmel's company, on what ostensible errand if not that of death?
Her dress, which was of dark wool, showed that she had changed her garments for this trip.