When his wife joined the table very late, her appearance and the embarrassment of her manner attracted general attention, especially that of her husband.

He made anxious inquiries as to her health, and asked her apart what had occurred to her wrist, which was tied up with black ribbon tightly bound round it.

She earnestly entreated him not to inquire more then, or thereafter, as to the cause of her wearing or continuing afterwards to wear that ribbon; 'for,' she added, 'you will never see me without it'.

He replied, 'Since you urge it so vehemently, I promise you not to inquire more about it'.
"After completing her hurried breakfast she made anxious inquiries as to whether the post had yet arrived.

It had not yet come in; and Sir Tristram asked: 'Why are you so particularly eager about letters to- day ?' 'Because I expect to hear of Lord Tyrone's death, which took place on Tuesday.' 'Well,' remarked Sir Tristram, 'I never should have put you down for a superstitious person; but I suppose that some idle dream has disturbed you.' Shortly after, the servant brought in the letters; one was sealed with black wax.