One night, the night after the incident of the note, she had been at her usual post, watching for her beacon--watching vainly: that evening no lamp was lit. She waited till the rising of certain constellations warned her of lateness and signed her away. In passing Fieldhead, on her return, its moonlight beauty attracted her glance, and stayed her step an instant. Tree and hall rose peaceful under the night sky and clear full orb; pearly paleness gilded the building; mellow brown gloom bosomed it round; shadows of deep green brooded above its oak-wreathed roof. The broad pavement in front shone pale also; it gleamed as if some spell had transformed the dark granite to glistering Parian. On the silvery space slept two sable shadows, thrown sharply defined from two human figures. These figures when first seen were motionless and mute; presently they moved in harmonious step, and spoke low in harmonious key. Earnest was the gaze that scrutinized them as they emerged from behind the trunk of the cedar. "Is it Mrs. Pryor and Shirley?"

On the night after the incident of the note, she had been there, watching for her beacon - watching vainly: no lamp was lit. She turned for home; in passing Fieldhead, its moonlight beauty attracted her glance. Tree and hall rose peaceful under the moon; pearly paleness gilded the building. The broad pavement in front shone pale also, gleaming as if some spell had transformed the dark granite to marble. On the silvery space were two human figures, at first motionless and mute; presently they moved in step, and spoke low. Caroline scrutinized them earnestly.
"Is it Mrs. Pryor and Shirley?"
