Run quick, it is so dark, Ruth!" "Yes, miss." The young country girl trembled.

Miss Boyce's tragic passion in this matter had to some extent infected the whole household in which she lived.
"Ruth, when you say your prayers to-night, pray God to comfort the poor,--and to punish the cruel!" "Yes, miss," said the girl, timidly, and ready to cry.

The lantern she held flashed its light on Miss Boyce's white face and tall form.

Till her mistress turned away she did not dare to move; that dark eye, so wide, full, and living, roused in her a kind of terror.
On the steps of the cottage Marcella paused.

She heard voices inside--or rather the rector's voice reading.
A thought of scorn rose in her heart.