Over the low wall, on the road, Douglas Fraser caught a last glimpse of the graceful girl standing there.

He sadly waved an adieu, and Nadine Johnstone was left with but one friend in the world, save the silent Swiss governess.

Though the two women were sumptuously lodged "in fair upper chambers," opening east and south, with their maid near at hand, the gloomy chill of the silent household had already penetrated the lonely girl's heart.

No single sign of the warmer amenities.

Only books, books, dusty books, by the thousand, piled helter-skelter in every available nook and cranny.
The servants were slouching and sullen, and they moved about their duties with gloomy brows.