'That is not probable. Nothing can have happened to her.'
'Look and see. Be quick!'
Hubert opened the letter, and he had not read three lines when Julia's face caught expression from his, which had become overcast.
'It is bad news, I know. Something has happened. What is it? Don't keep me waiting. The suspense is worse than the truth.'
'It is very awful, Julia. Don't give way.'
'Tell me what it is. Is she dead?
'Yes; she is dead.' Julia got up from her husband's knees and stood by the mantelpiece, leaning upon it. 'It is more than mere death.'
'What do you mean? She killed herself—is that it?'
'Yes; she drowned herself the night before last in the lake.'