Suddenly he heard a sound from his companion.
Glancing up he saw that she was leaning against the doorpost, the open letter in her hand, and on her face an expression which caused him to spring from his chair.
"What is it, Emeline ?" he demanded.

"Any bad news ?" She scarcely noticed him until he spoke again.

Then she shook her head.
"No," she said slowly.

"Nothin' but--but what I might have expected." "But what is it?
It is bad news.

Can't I help you?
Please let me, if I can.