Pale and inert as a dead thing Laline lay. Clare drew a little on one side and held her breath with excitement. Then, through the perfect stillness of the room, Mrs. Vandeleur's sweet voice sounded, speaking low, in slow distinct tones.
"Lina, can you hear me?"
A faint quiver passed over the still face; then the voice came as from a long way off—
"Yes."
"Do you love Lorin Armstrong?"
"Yes."
"Shall you marry him?"
"No."
"Why have you broken your engagement?"
"Because I am already married."