There was a bright fire burning in the hall, and lights were in the sconces on the walls.

Charlotte asked Steve to come in and rest a while.

She tried to avoid showing either fear or hurry, and Steve was conscious of the same effort on his own part; but yet he knew that they both thought it well none of the family were aware of her return, or of his presence.

She watched him descend the dripping steps into the darkness, and then went towards the fire.

An unusual silence was in the house.