During Neva’s brief absence her room had been put in order, and her fire had been freshly made. She sat down with a book, but she could not read. She took out her drawing materials, but she could not work. Her thoughts were with her young lover, and she indulged in speculations as to what he was doing at that moment, and when he would find her. At noon, Celeste came in bearing a tray on which was a plate of bread and a jug of water. She went out without speaking. At night, Celeste appeared again with similar refreshments, and made up the fire afresh, and went out without speaking. The prison fare and prison treatment on the silent system was intended to subdue the haughty young captive, whom her enemies expected to see a suppliant for mercy in the course of a few hours. They did not know Neva Wynde. Her proud lip curled, and her soul rebelled against the meanness and wickedness of her oppressors, but she ate her dry bread composedly, and drank the clear water as if it had been wine. That night, after barricading her door, she went to bed and to sleep. The next morning, when she was dressed and standing by her window, looking out into the gloom of the firs and mountain pines that grew near to the house, and shut out nearly all light and brightness from her room, her door was unlocked, and Mrs. Craven Black swept into the apartment. Mrs. Black was attired in a Parisian morning robe of white cashmere faced with ermine, and lined throughout with quilted cherry-colored silk. A band of ermine confined her robe at the waist, and was fastened with a jewel clasp. Her countenance was supercilious and domineering, and her eyes gleamed with prospective triumph. Neva did not turn from her window after the first glance at her visitor, but continued to look out into the gloom, as if unconscious of her visitor’s presence. “Still rebellious, eh?” said Octavia, pausing near the door, and regarding Neva with smiling insolence. “Are you not ready to become the obedient step-daughter, Neva, and to comply with my commands?” “I shall never be ready to comply with your commands, madam,” said Neva haughtily. “Never! Ah, that’s a word with a long meaning,” said Mrs. Black superciliously. “I think you’ll change your mind after a little longer imprisonment. How do you like your Lenten fare? Bread and water is what they give to contumacious prisoners, and it is found effective in subduing obstinate tempers. Don’t you think such meagre diet affects your resolution, Neva?” The young girl did not answer. “Sulky? Yes, I see. You are but a child, Neva, rebelling against rightful authority. Your father enjoined you to yield me a daughter’s obedience. I have not been unreasonable, and you should respect my superior knowledge of the world and my superior wisdom, and give way to them. You are not yet prepared to do this?”