His hands so brown and sinewy, yet so very gentle, seemed to be touching hers, as they had done when moving his mother or otherwise helping in the sick-room.

His cheery voice seemed to be telling her not to weary herself so much, or to be thanking her for the care she bestowed upon his dear parent.

In vain she tried to put aside this kind of haunting vision.

Her mistress and Owen were painted on the over-strained retina, and she could not efface the picture.

She prayed for them, for all.