Aunt Eunice's house was the only refuge for Adah, and there she would be comparatively safe from censorious remarks.
"Inasmuch as ye did it to the least of these ye did it unto Me," kept ringing in Hugh's ears, as he hastily dressed himself, striking his benumbed fingers together, and trying hard to keep his teeth from chattering, for Hugh was beginning his work of economy, and when at daylight Claib came as usual to build his master's fire, he had sent him back, saying he did not need one, and bidding him go, instead, to Mrs.
Hastings' chamber.
"Make a hot one there," he said.

"Pile the coals on high, so as to heat up quick." As Hugh passed through the hall on his way downstairs, he could not refrain from pausing a moment at the door of Adah's room.

The fire was burning, he knew, for he heard the kindling coals sputtering in the flames, and that was all he heard.

He would look in an instant, he said, to see if all were well, and carefully turning the knob he entered the chamber where the desolate Adah lay sleeping, her glossy brown hair falling like a veil about her sweet pale face, on which the tear stains still were visible.
As she lay with the firelight falling full upon her forehead, Hugh, too, caught sight of the mark which had attracted 'Lina's curiosity, and starting forward, bent down for a nearer view.
"Strange that she should have that mark.

Oh Heaven!" and Hugh staggered against the bedpost as a sudden thought flashed upon him.