As I came in I saw Evelyn sitting in a low chair by the fire, gazing abstractedly into it.
She started when she saw me, and on my saying I wished to write some letters, showed me a writing-table near the fire, with pens, ink, and paper.
"You will find it very cold at the big table in the window," she said, looking at it with its broken drawer, a chink open, with a visible shudder.
I installed myself near the fire, talking cheerfully the while, for it struck me she was a little low in her spirits.

She did not make much response, and I was settling down to my letters when she suddenly said: "Colonel Middleton!" "Yes, Miss Derrick." "I am afraid I am interrupting your writing, but--" I looked round.

She was standing up, nervously playing with her rings.
"But--I know I am not supposed to--but I know what happened last night; Aurelia told me." "It is very sad, isn't it ?" I said.

"But cheer up.

I dare say we may get them back yet." And I nodded confidentially at her.