.

.

The knock for which they were waiting! Mrs.Eagles withdrew into her own room; Amy went to the door.
A tall figure, so wrapped and veiled that nothing but the womanly outline could be discerned, entered, supported by John Hewett.
'Is there a light in the other room, Amy ?' John inquired in a thick voice.
'Yes, father.' He led the muffled form into the chamber where Amy and Annie slept.

The door closed, and for several minutes the three children stood regarding each other, alarmed, mute.

Then their father joined them.