"'Ah, indeed,' said I, very calmly, 'where may he be?'
"'He is speaking to papa in his study.'
"'And where is Martha?' I asked, smiling.
"She gave me a disapproving look for my precociousness, and then said, 'She is in there, too.'
"'Then I suppose I can go at once and offer my congratulations; I remarked.
"'Saucy girl,' said she.
"But before I could carry out my purpose the door of the adjoining room opened and in walked slowly, as slowly as if he came from a sepulchre, Robert--Cousin Robert, with ashy pale face and great drops of perspiration on his brow. I felt how, at sight of him, all my blood, too, left my face. A presentiment of evil awoke within me.
"'Where is Martha?' I cried, hastening towards him.
"'I do not know.' He spoke as if every word choked him. He did not even shake hands.
"And then papa came too, after him.