"I am alone, unarmed," she said; "the great Mr. Harkaway, the hero of the day here, is surely not afraid of me."
"I am afraid of no one," returned Jack; "but I warn you, my girl, that if any treachery be meditated, each of these pistols carries a man's life."
"It can not affect me," returned Theodora, calmly. "I come to bring you news which will gladden your heart, and have no fear of your enmity."
Her words and her manner thrilled Harkaway strangely. He lowered the pistols.
He had her shown into a room, and followed her in.
"Sit down there, my girl, and tell me all," he said, trying to appear composed, while he was in reality singularly moved.
"I come, Mr. Harkaway," said Theodora, who had now regained all her calmness, "to bring you the most welcome news that ever gladdened your ear—that ever sent balm and comfort to your bruised heart."
Jack turned pale; he thought he had heard her speak of his boys before leaving his room.
"Speak on," he said, his voice faltering.
"Tell me, sir, what could I say that would restore happiness to you—to your wife—to your friends and home? What could I say to lift the veil of mourning from your house and hearts?—to restore the former gaiety to this tomb-like place."