He had drawn back in mute surprise during the conversation between Mr. Armstrong and Arthur, but no sooner had the movements of the former gentleman and his companions discovered Henry Halford to the stricken man than he started forward, and seizing his hand, told him what had happened, in a voice so choked with sobs and tears as to be scarcely audible. Henry led him away to the hotel, to which the body of his dead wife had been carried, and calming down his excitement encouraged him to relate all that had occurred. "And were Mr. Armstrong and his friends in the carriage with you?" asked Henry, in astonishment. "Yes, we occupied all the seats but one, and the lady held my poor wife in her arms with the greatest tenderness. Is she Mrs. Armstrong?" "No," exclaimed Henry, in a tone that savoured of indignation. "Mrs. Armstrong is a very different person. This lady to whom you refer is no doubt a relative from the country." He little thought that the relative of whom he spoke was his best friend. After a while Arthur Franklyn became calm enough to walk with his brother-in-law to Englefield Grange, dreading the ordeal in which a detail of what had happened would involve him. Of other and more painful consequences to him which would result from his wife's death he could speak to no one, although he knew they would cause him a sleepless night. Mr. Armstrong's first words as he and his two companions made their appearance relieved Mary of a certain dread. She could not control her fears that her father would be a little angry with her for sending a message by Mr. Henry Halford. "My darling," he said, "I am so sorry! I forgot I had asked you to come for us; have you been waiting long?" "Nearly half an hour; but, papa, what has happened?" "I will tell you presently, Mary; drive home quickly, your mother will be getting anxious." The sad story was soon told in a few words during the drive, and Mary became silent from awe and sympathy. Presently her father asked,--"What brought Mr. Halford to the station, Mary?" "I had not time to ask him," said Mary, gently, "neither had I any right to do so. The instant I saw him I begged him to go and find out what detained you." "No doubt he came to meet his brother-in-law," said cousin Sarah. "I heard the gentleman whose wife has died so sadly speak of his father-in-law as Dr. Halford of Englefield Grange." Mr. Armstrong did not notice this remark, and the silence at last became so painful to Mary, that she was about to break it by attracting notice to her ponies, who seemed by their rapid movements to look upon a journey of eight miles a day as merely an amusing pastime. Cousin Sarah diverted her from her purpose by a sudden remark. "Jack, my boy, you look pale; in the midst of the confusion and sorrow I almost forgot you were present." "Oh, I'm all right, mother," he replied, "but I own I did feel queer at the time."