Ay, the grave," he repeated in a hollow voice; "it is not my fault if I am compelled to send them thither.

Fools to torment me thus!" Feeling she had heard more than she ought, the Countess would have retired; but as retreat might have betrayed her, she deemed it better to announce her presence by saying, "You are not alone, my Lord." Startled by her voice, Lord Roos instantly turned, and regarded her with haggard looks.
"You here, Frances ?" he exclaimed; "I did not expect you so soon." "I came before the hour, because--but you seem greatly agitated.

Has anything happened ?" "Little more than what happens daily," he replied.

"And yet it _is_ more; for the crisis has arrived, and a fearful crisis it is.

O, Frances!" he continued vehemently, "how dear you are to me.