At length we thought of retiring.
'Why do I mention these trivial occurrences?
Not, Heaven knows, from the interest I can now attach to them; but because, like a drowning man who catches at a brittle twig, I seize every apology for delaying the subsequent and dreadful part of my narrative.

But it must be communicated: I must have the sympathy of at least one friend under this heart-rending calamity.
'We were returning home by a footpath which led through a plantation of firs.

Lucy had quitted Hazlewood's arm; it is only the plea of absolute necessity which reconciles her to accept his assistance.

I still leaned upon his other arm.

Lucy followed us close, and the servant was two or three paces behind us.