Miss Carlyle descended in the startling costume the reader has seen, took her seat at the breakfast-table, and there sat bolt upright.

Mr.Carlyle came down next; and then Lady Isabel entered, in an elegant half-mourning dress, with flowing black ribbons.
"Good morning, ma'am.

I hope you slept well," was Miss Carlyle's salutation.
"Quite well, thank you," she answered, as she took her seat opposite Miss Carlyle.

Miss Carlyle pointed to the top of the table.
"That is your place, ma'am; but I will pour out the coffee, and save you the trouble, if you wish it." "I should be glad if you would," answered Lady Isabel.
So Miss Carlyle proceeded to her duties, very stern and grim.

The meal was nearly over, when Peter came in, and said the butcher had come up for orders.