At length the well-known knock of the news-boy at the front door echoed through the house.
The moment the journal was placed on the table by her side, Cecilia took it up with trembling hands, and cast a hasty glance over its contents.
In another instant all suspense relative to the rector's fate ceased.
The following words settled that point beyond a doubt:—
"SUICIDE OF THE REV. REGINALD TRACY.
"Shortly after eight o'clock last evening a rumour was in circulation, to the effect that the above-mentioned individual, whose name has so recently been brought before the public in connection with the murder of Matilda Kenrick, had put a period to his existence by means of poison. It appears that the turnkey, on visiting his cell, according to custom, at eight o'clock, found him stretched upon the floor, to all appearances quite dead. Medical aid was immediately procured; but life was pronounced by the gaol-surgeon to be totally extinct. We have been unable to learn any further particulars."
"It is better so, than to die upon the scaffold," said Cecilia to herself. "Now to the lawyer's: Reginald expressly told me that I was to call upon him this morning."
The heartless woman did not drop a tear nor heave a sigh to the memory of her paramour.
She rang the bell and desired the servant to fetch a cab without delay.
By the time it arrived Cecilia was ready.