So, when we reached home, I dropped out of the chaise behind, as quickly as possible, that I might not be in their company before those solemn windows, looking blindly on me like closed eyes once bright.

And oh, how little need I had had to think what would move me to tears when I came back--seeing the window of my mother's room, and next it that which, in the better time, was mine! I was in Peggotty's arms before I got to the door, and she took me into the house.

Her grief burst out when she first saw me; but she controlled it soon, and spoke in whispers, and walked softly, as if the dead could be disturbed.

She had not been in bed, I found, for a long time.

She sat up at night still, and watched.