She now, for the first time, eyed it attentively, and the consequence was she uttered an exclamation, and took the first opportunity to beckon Aubertin.
He came to her; and she put the letter into his hand.
He put up his glasses, and eyed it.

"Yes!" whispered he, "it is from HIM." Josephine and Camille saw something was going on; they joined the other two, with curiosity in their faces.
Rose put her hand on a small table near her, and leaned a moment.

She turned half sick at a letter coming from the dead.

Josephine now came towards her with a face of concern, and asked what was the matter.
The reply came from Aubertin.

"My poor friends," said he, solemnly, "this is one of those fearful things that you have not seen in your short lives, but it has been more than once my lot to witness it.