silent and pale--still had the look of a person whom some sudden shock
has benumbed,--but she no longer shut herself up; and as much as their
deep mourning would allow, the household returned to their former
hospitable, cheerful ways. Mrs. Bellairs again came frequently to the
Cottage. She saw now, after her absence, a far greater change than she
had before realized, in both mother and daughter; and thinking that
variety and cheerful society were the best remedies, if not for both,
certainly for Lucia, she did all she could to drag the poor girl out,
and to force her into the company of those she most longed, but did not
dare, to avoid. There was one comfort; wherever Bella was, no allusion
to the murder could be made; but wherever she was not, Lucia constantly
heard such sayings as these:--

"Yes, it has been mentioned in the _Times_ even, such a peculiarly
horrid thing, you know, poor man." "Just like a savage. Oh! it's all
very well to talk of Indians being civilized, but I am quite convinced
they never are, really. And then, you see, the real nature breaks out
when they are provoked."

Some more reasonable person would suggest, "But they say that at Moose
Island Mr. Strafford has done wonders;" and he answered,

"Ah! 'they say.' It is so easy to _say_ anything. Why, this very man, or
brute, comes from Moose Island!"

"Does he? But, of course, there must be some bad. Let us ask Miss
Costello. She knows Mr. Strafford."

And Lucia would have to command her face and her voice, and say, "I only
know by report. I believe Mr. Strafford's people are all more or less