CHAPTER VII.
A sheaf of white crape and black was hung upon the door of the house, and there it swayed and rustled in the wind and whispered its tidings.
At noon the preparation of the dead was finished, and in the coffin lay the fair young form, beautiful, and in the sweet face a great peace.

Two mourners sat by it, grieving and worshipping--Hannah and the black woman Tilly.

Hester came, and she was trembling, for a great trouble was upon her spirit.

She said: "She asks for a note." Hannah's face blanched.

She had not thought of this; it had seemed that that pathetic service was ended.