But, knowing that his letter could not reach her by the early post with the stroke of eight next morning, he sent out his telegram, that she might not learn the news first from the papers.
Marcella had wandered out before breakfast, feeling the house an oppression, and knowing that, one way or another, the last news might reach her any hour.
She had just passed through the little wood behind and alongside of the house, and was in a field beyond, when she heard some one running behind her.

William handed her the telegram, his own red face full of understanding.

Marcella took it, commanded herself till the boy was out of sight and hearing again, then sank down on the grass to read it.
"All over.

The Home Secretary's official refusal to interfere with sentence sent to Widrington to-day.

Accept my sorrow and sympathy." She crushed it in her hand, raising her head mechanically.