The gray rainy light fell soft and sad on the faces of Norah and Magdalen, who sat together opposite to him.
Miss Garth had placed herself a little behind them, in partial shadow; and the lawyer's quiet face was seen in profile, close beside her.

So the four occupants of the room appeared to Mr.Clare, as he sat apart in his corner; his long claw-like fingers interlaced on his knee; his dark vigilant eyes fixed searchingly now on one face, now on another.

The dripping rustle of the rain among the leaves, and the clear, ceaseless tick of the clock on the mantel-piece, made the minute of silence which followed the settling of the persons present in their places indescribably oppressive.

It was a relief to every one when Mr.Pendril spoke.
"Mr.Clare has told you already," he began, "that I am the bearer of bad news.

I am grieved to say, Miss Garth, that your doubts, when I last saw you, were better founded than my hopes.