It would have to be removed as soon as possible from the jail, and she desired that it might be carried at once to her old home, where she and Lucia would be ready to receive it.

This letter was sent off by a special messenger; but as there could be no doubt of the answer, all went on at Cacouna as if it had already arrived.

In the evening, when Mrs.Costello came down to join the rest of the family in the drawing-room, she had changed little of her usual gentle manner.

There might be a deeper shade of gravity, but she was not, and did not appear, sad.

Lucia and Bella were sitting together, talking softly.