e, with a perplexed look. She had been searched by the
housekeeper in her sleep; and it was certain that no weapon and no drug
was about her person. She presently lay back in the chair, as if
wishing to sleep, throwing a shawl over her head; and all withdrew
except the housekeeper and her husband.

In a little while some movement was perceived under the shawl, and there
was a suppressed choking sound. The desperate woman was swallowing her
hair, in order to vomit up the nourishment she had taken--as another
lady in desperate circumstances once did to get rid of poison. The
housekeeper was ordered to cut off her hair, and Mr Forster then rather
rejoiced in this proof that she carried no means of destroying her life.

As soon as it was quite dark she was compelled to take more food, and
then wrapped up warmly for a night ride. Mr Forster invited her to
promise that she would not speak, that he might be spared the necessity
of bandaging her mouth. But she declared her intention of speaking on
every possible occasion; and she was therefore effectually prevented
from opening her mouth at all.

On they rode through the night, stopping to dismount only twice; and
then it was not at any house, but at mere sheepfolds, where a fire was
kindled by some of the party, and where they drank whisky, and laughed
and talked in the warmth and glow of the fire, as if the poor lady had
not been present. Between her internal passion, her need of more food
than she would take, the strangeness of the scene, with the sparkling
cold stars overhead, and the heat and glow of the fire under the wall--
amidst these distracting influences the lady felt confused and ill, and
would have been glad now to have been free to converse quietly, and to
accept the mercy Mr Forster had been ready to show her. He was as
watchful as ever, sat next her as she lay on the ground, said at last
that they had not much further to go, and felt her pulse. As the grey
light of morning strengthened, he went slower and slower, and encouraged
her to lean upon him, which her weakness compelled her to do. He sent
forward the factor of the estate they were now entering upon, desiring
him to see that everything was warm and comfortable.

When the building they were approaching came in view, the poor lady
wondered how it could ever be made warm and comfortable. It was a
little old tower, the top of which was in ruins, and the rest as dreary
looking as possible. Cold