She put down her book as her aunt entered, and rose to greet her.
Mrs.Pendleton bent over the girl and kissed her, and took her hand.

As she did so she observed that Sisily looked worn and fatigued, with black rings under her eyes, as though she, too, had passed a sleepless night.
But she was wonderfully pretty, the elder woman thought, and nothing could rob her of the fresh charm of youth and beauty.
"Sit down, Sisily," she said, leading her back to her chair, and taking another one beside her.

"I have sad news for you, dear, and you must be a brave girl.

Something has happened to your father." "What has happened ?" asked Sisily quickly.

Then, as if taking in the import of her aunt's tone, rather than her words, she added: "Do you mean that he is ...