His slippers, usually assumed after dinner, were still warming on the white sheepskin rug before the fire.

But the large, handsome face, that always made a sunshiny feeling round the hearth, was absent; and the room had a loneliness that made her heart fear.

She waited a few minutes, looking with expectation towards a piece of knitting which was Mrs.Sandal's evening work.

But the ivory needles and the colored wools remained uncalled for, and she grew rapidly impatient, and went to her mother's room.

Mrs.Sandal was lying upon her couch, exhausted with weeping; and the squire sat holding his head in his hands, the very picture of despondency and sorrow.
"Can I come and speak to you, mother ?" The squire answered, "To be sure you can, Charlotte.