have remarked that there was none of the surprise, the blank,
unbelieving amazement which might have been expected from one
hearing for the first time of such a calamity.

"Murdered!" she exclaimed. "Is this true?"

"It appears to be perfectly true, madam, I regret to say," the
clerk answered. "Even the earlier editions were able to supply
the man's name, and I am afraid that there is no doubt about his
identity. The captain of the Lusitania confirmed it, and many of
the passengers who saw him leave the ship last night have been
interviewed."

"Murdered!" she repeated to herself with trembling lips. "It
seems such a horrible death! Have they any idea who did it?" she
asked. "Has any one been arrested?"

"At present, no, madam," the clerk answered. "The affair, as you
will see if you read further, is an exceedingly mysterious one."

She rocked a little in her chair, but she showed no signs of
fainting. She picked up the paper and found the place once more.
There were two columns filled with particulars of the tragedy.

"Where can I be alone and read this?" she asked.

"Here, if you please, madam," the clerk answered. "I must go back
to my desk. There are many arrivals just now. Will you allow me
to send you something--a little brandy, perhaps?"