"Sit down," she continued, sinking into a chair, and pointing to a vacant one by her side. Edith took the seat, and waited in wonder for her further speech. "Where is Marian?" asked Miss Thornton, in an agitated voice. "Where? Why, I believed her to be at your house!" answered Edith, in surprise and vague fear. "Good heaven!" exclaimed the lady, growing very pale, and trembling in every limb. Edith started up in alarm. "Miss Thornton, what do you mean? For mercy's sake, tell me, has anything happened?" "I do not know--I am not sure--I trust not--tell me! when did you see her last? When did she leave home? this morning?" "No! last evening, about sundown." "And she has not returned? You have not seen her since?" "No!" "Did she tell you where she was going?" "No!" "Did she promise to come back? and when?" "She promised to return before dark! She did not do so! I judged the storm had detained her, and that she was with you, and I felt easy." "Oh, God!" cried the lady, in a voice of deep distress, "Miss Thornton! for Heaven's sake! tell me what has occurred!" "Oh, Edith!" "In mercy, explain yourself--Marian! what of Marian?" "Oh, God, sustain you, Edith! what can I say to you? my own heart is lacerated!" "Marian! Marian! oh! what has happened to Marian! Oh! where is Marian?" "I had hoped to find her here after all! else I had not found courage to come!" "Miss Thornton, this is cruel--" "Ah! poor Edith! what you required to be told is far more cruel. Oh, Edith! pray Heaven for fortitude?" "I have fortitude for anything but suspense. Oh, Heaven, Miss Thornton, relieve this suspense, or I shall suffocate!" "Edith! Edith!" said the lady, going up and putting her arms around the fragile form of the young widow, as to shield and support her. "Oh, Edith! I heard a report this morning--and it may be but a report--I pray Heaven, that it is no more--" "Oh, go on! what was it?" "That, that last evening on the beach during the storm, Marian Mayfield--" Miss Thornton's voice choked. "Oh, speak; for mercy speak! What of Marian?" "That Marian Mayfield had been waylaid, and--" "Murdered! Oh, God!" cried Edith, as her over-strained nerves relaxed, and she sank in the arms of Miss Thornton. A child's wild, frenzied shriek resounded through the house. It was the voice of Miriam. * * * * * At Luckenough that morning, the remains of the unfortunate Dr. Grimshaw were laid out preparatory to burial. Jacquelina, in a bewildered stupor of remorse, wandered vaguely from room to room, seeking rest and finding none. "I have caused a fellow creature's death!" That was the envenomed thought that corroded her heart's centre. From her bosom, too, peace had fled. It was near noon when the news of Marian's fate reached Luckenough, and overwhelmed the family with consternation and grief.