CHAPTER XXVI
"And justice stood at the proud man's side,
'Whose is the fault? Accuse!' it cried;
And the proud man answered in humbled tone,
'I cannot accuse—the fault is mine own.'"
CHRIS got back to Miss Chester's deserted Town house to find young Atkins on the doorstep, staring with horrified eyes at the drawn blinds.
He had heard of the accident at Somerton it appeared, and had rushed off to assure himself that Marie was safe. He was shocked to hear of Miss Chester's death, and his young face was white and sobered as he followed Chris into the silent house.
He was very boyish and sincere in his sympathy, and though Chris had never particularly cared for him, he was glad of his sympathy.
"I say, it's awful, you know!" young Atkins said aghast. "Miss Chester, and poor old Feathers! I say, what a shocking thing! And what a marvelous escape Mrs. Lawless must have had."