THE scene almost beggars description. Consternation was depicted on every face, and the silence of unutterable horror added an impressiveness to the strange situation—a silence that was emphasized by the pitiable sobbing of Norah.
The doctor having assured himself beyond all possibility of doubt that the unfortunate gentleman had ceased to live, addressed himself persuasively and kindly to Miss Lacey.
“My dear young lady,” he said, “pray let me conduct you from this terrible scene; and pray endeavour as far as you can to control your feelings.”
Norah rose up, and for a few moments buried her face in her hands and sobbed convulsively, until by a supreme effort of will she regained her self-possession. Standing erect, glancing with flashing tear-wet eyes from one to the other of the littl
