He did not close the door of the adjoining chamber, for the candles had been extinguished and both rooms were now dark.
To the listening child in the bed, however, it seemed as if voices were whispering near her--as if she heard a stifled sob.

Then cautious footsteps crossed the floor, and after an interval of silence the street door opened and closed.
Very soon afterward a light was struck in the adjoining room, and the elder man came through the doorway--alone.
He flung back the doors of the fireplace, and stirred the embers; then he proceeded to perform a singular task.

First he tossed a number of letters and papers into the flames, then several dainty articles of girls' clothing.

He watched them until they had burned to ashes; then he flung himself into an arm-chair; his head sank forward on his breast, in which position he sat motionless for several hours..