"If the body of Mr.Stephen Monkton had been brought to Wincot, his coffin would have been placed there." A chill came over me, and a sense of dread which I am ashamed of having felt now, but which I could not combat then.

The blessed light of day was pouring down gayly at the other end of the vault through the open door.

I turned my back on the empty niche, and hurried into the sunlight and the fresh air.
As I walked across the grass glade leading down to the vault, I heard the rustle of a woman's dress behind me, and turning round, saw a young lady advancing, clad in deep mourning.

Her sweet, sad face, her manner as she held out her hand, told me who it was in an instant.
"I heard that you were here," she said, "and I wished--" Her voice faltered a little.

My heart ached as I saw how her lip trembled, but before I could say anything she recovered herself and went on: "I wished to take your hand, and thank you for your brotherly kindness to Alfred; and I wanted to tell you that I am sure in all you did you acted tenderly and considerately for the best.