The girls at first refused to leave her; they exhausted themselves in conjectures as to her continued residence at the Elms, and were forced to be satisfied with Lady Earle's off-hand declaration that their mother could not endure any but a private life.
"Mamma has a title now," said Beatrice, wonderingly; "why will she not assume it ?" "Your mother's tastes are simple and plain," replied Lady Earle.

"Her wishes must be treated with respect." Dora did not give way until the two fair faces that had brightened her house vanished.

When they were gone, and a strange, hushed silence fell upon the place, pride and courage gave way.

In that hour the very bitterness of death seemed to be upon her..