The bullet that had
been the cause of death was, however, detected in the remains.
What an end to the high-spirited, handsome lad that had been the pride
of his mother, the joy of his betrothed! What wonder that they sat over
the bald record of it with bowed-down faces, and filled up the gaps with
only too easily imagined horrors! Each kept hold of the other's hand, as
though in sign of the dread bond between them, and sat close to one
another in silence. Presently Harry started up, at the sound of a
latch-key in the house door.
"That is Solomon," cried she.
"Impossible," said Mrs. Basil. "He told me himself that he should stop
for the last day's sale, and to-day is but the fifth."
"Hush! it is."
Yes, it was certainly Solomon's voice in the passage; and apparently, by
the answering tone, he had a male companion with him.
Harry seized the letter, with its inclosures, and thrust them into her
bosom, which, full of grief for his victim, seemed to spurn her
husband's approach. Then she heard him calling her impatiently, as was
his wont, from the foot of the stairs.
"Harry, come down; I have brought a gentleman home with me. Let's have
something to eat at once, will you?"
"Answer him--answer him!" gasped Harry. She could not speak; her tongue
seemed paralyzed.
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