“To-night it is _their_ turn,” said Jonathan, binding up his wounded fingers with a handkerchief. “To-morrow it will be _mine_.” CHAPTER VI. WINIFRED RECEIVES TWO PROPOSALS. The tragical affair at Dollis Hill, it need scarcely be said, was a dreadful blow to the family. Mr. Wood bore up with great fortitude against the shock, attended the inquest, delivered his evidence with composure, and gave directions afterwards for the funeral, which took place on the day but one following--Sunday. As soon, however, as the last solemn rites were over, and the remains of the unfortunate woman committed to their final resting-place in Willesden churchyard, his firmness completely deserted him, and he sank beneath the weight of his affliction. It was fortunate that by this time Winifred had so far recovered, as to be able to afford her father the best and only solace that, under the circumstances, he could have received,--her personal attentions. The necessity which had previously existed of leaving the ghastly evidence of the murderous deed undisturbed,--the presence of the mangled corpse,--the bustle of the inquest, at which her attendance was required,--all these circumstances produced a harrowing effect upon the young girl's imagination. But when all was over, a sorrowful calm succeeded, and, if not free from grief, she was tranquil. As to Thames, though deeply and painfully affected by the horrible occurrence that had marked his return to his old friends, he was yet able to control his feelings, and devote himself to the alleviation of the distress of the more immediate sufferers by the calamity. It was Sunday evening--a soft delicious evening, and, from the happy, _cheerful_ look of the house, none would have dreamed of the dismal tragedy so lately acted within its walls. The birds were singing blithely amid the trees,--the lowing of the cows resounded from the yard,--a delicious perfume from the garden was wafted through the open window,--at a distance, the church-bells of Willesden were heard tolling for evening service. All these things spoke of peace;--but there are seasons when the pleasantest external influences have a depressing effect on the mind, by painfully recalling past happiness. So, at least, thought one of two persons who were seated together in a small back-parlour of the house at Dollis Hill. She was a lovely girl, attired in deep mourning, and having an expression of profound sorrow on her charming features. Her companion was a portly handsome man, also dressed in a full suit of the deepest mourning, with the finest of lace at his bosom and wrists, and a sword in a black sheath by his side. These persons were Mr. Kneebone and Winifred.