His footsteps had a desolate, echoing sound to his ears, as he bent his way thither.

He looked through the front and then through the back chamber, and even called, faintly, the name of his wife.

But all was still as death.

Now a small envelope caught his eye, resting on a casket in which Irene had kept her jewelry.

He lifted it, and saw his name inscribed thereon.