There was a hurried running to and fro, confusion, noise, disorder,
and no purpose. Some proceeded to disperse themselves about the
roads, and some took horse, and some got lights, and some conversed
together, urging that there was no trace or track to follow. Some
approached him kindly, with the view of offering consolation; some
admonished him that Grace must be removed into the house, and that
he prevented it. He never heard them, and he never moved.
The snow fell fast and thick. He looked up for a moment in the
air, and thought that those white ashes strewn upon his hopes and
misery, were suited to them well. He looked round on the whitening
ground, and thought how Marion's foot-prints would be hushed and
covered up, as soon as made, and even that remembrance of her
blotted out. But he never felt the weather and he never stirred.
CHAPTER III - Part The Third
THE world had grown six years older since that night of the return.
It was a warm autumn afternoon, and there had been heavy rain. The
sun burst suddenly from among the clouds; and the old battle-
ground, sparkling brilliantly and cheerfully at sight of it in one
green place, flashed a responsive welcome there, which spread along
the country side as if a joyful beacon had been lighted up, and
answered from a thousand stations.
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