When she had entered the drawing-room about nine o'clock, she looked pale and anxious, and was absent and _distraite_ all the evening.

Now that the house was still and all were in their rooms, Grace was wondering.

Was Mr.Richards worse?
Why, then, did they not call in a Doctor?
Who could he be, this sick stranger, in whom father and daughter were so interested?
Grace could not sleep for thinking of it.

The night was mild and bright, and she arose, wrapped a large shawl around her, and took her seat by the window.

How still it was, how solemn, how peaceful! The full moon sailed through the deep blue sky, silver-white, crystal-clear.