As Lucia went up the staircase, the slight stimulus of excitement which Maurice's presence had supplied, died out, and she began to be conscious of a horrible depression and sense of vacancy.

She went up with a step that grew more tired and languid at every movement, till she reached the door where Claudine was having a little gossip with the concierge.
She was glad even to be saved the trouble of ringing, and glided past the two "like a ghaist," and came into her mother's presence with that same weary gait and white face.

It was not even until Mrs.Costello rose in alarm and surprise with anxious questions on her lips that the poor child became aware of the change in herself.
"I am tired," she said.

"I have such a headache, mamma," and she tried to wake herself out of her bewilderment and look natural.
"Where is Maurice ?" "He is gone--he is coming back this evening, I think he said." Mrs.Costello guessed instantly that Maurice was the cause of Lucia's disturbance.
"Poor child!" she thought; "it could not help but be a surprise to her.
I wonder if all is going well ?" But she dared not speak of that subject just yet.
"You must have walked much too far," she said aloud.

"Go and lie down, darling--I will come with you." Lucia obeyed.