As to Thames, though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible occurrence that had marked his return to his old friends, he was yet able to control his feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation of the distress of the more immediate sufferers by the calamity.
It was Sunday evening--a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy, _cheerful_ look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal tragedy so lately acted within its walls.

The birds were singing blithely amid the trees,--the lowing of the cows resounded from the yard,--a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the open window,--at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard tolling for evening service.

All these things spoke of peace;--but there are seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a depressing effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness.

So, at least, thought one of two persons who were seated together in a small back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill.

She was a lovely girl, attired in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound sorrow on her charming features.