It was with strange feelings that the girl and her mother, lately so cheerful, passed out of the back door into the open air of the barton, laden with hay scents and the herby breath of cows.

A fine sleet had begun to fall, and they trotted across the yard quickly.

The stable-door was open; a light shone from it--from the lantern which always hung there, and which Philip had lighted, as he said.

Softly nearing the door, Mrs.Hall pronounced the name 'Helena!' There was no answer for the moment.

Looking in she was taken by surprise.