put her in it.

Then he went and rang the bell.

"Tell the cook to make a strong cup of coffee as quickly as she can, and
bring it up here to Mrs. Rothsay," he said to the man who answered the
call.

The latter touched his forehead and left the room.

Mr. Clarence had tact enough not to worry his niece with any more words.
He went and opened one of the front windows to look out upon the wintry
morning. The ground was covered very deeply with the snow, which was now
falling so thickly as to obscure every object.

When the servant entered with the coffee, Mr. Clarence himself took it
from the man's hand, and carried it to his niece and persuaded her to
drink it.

The servant meanwhile, mindful of the proprieties, when he saw the front
window open, went and closed it, and then passed down the room and
opened both the back windows, which gave sufficient light to the whole
area of the apartment.

Finally he turned off the gas, and taking up the empty coffee service,
left the room.

Presently after Mr. Fabian came in, and greeted his niece and his
brother in a grave, muffled voice.

A little later breakfast was served.

"Some one should go up to see if grandpa will have anything sent to him.
Will you, Uncle Fabian?" inquired Cora, as they seated themselves at the
table.

Mr. Fabian left his chair for the purpose, but before he had crossed the
room they heard the heavy footsteps of the Iron King coming down the
stairs.

He entered the dining room, and all arose to receive him. He came up
and shook hands with each of his sons in turn and in silence. Then he
took his place at the table. The three younger members of the family
looked at him furtively, whenever they could do so without attracting
his attention, and, perhaps, awakening his wrath.

Some change had come over him, but not of a softening nature. His hard,
stern, set face was, if possible, more stony than ever.

Neither Mr. Clarence nor Cora dared to speak to him; but Mr. Fabian,
feeling the silence awkward and oppressive, at length ventured to say:

"My dear father, in this our severe bereavement--"

But he got no further in his speech. Old Aaron Rockharrt raised his hand
and stopped him right there, and then said:

"Not one word from any one of you to me or in my presence on this event,
either now or ever. It happened in the course of nature. Drop the
subject. Fabian, how are matters going on at the works?"

"I do not know, sir," replied Mr. Fa