The man looked somewhat intelligent, and obeyed.

"I cannot see anybody--I am not fit to be seen," said Elsie,
retreating in haste from the room; "and indeed, Jane, I wonder at you
wishing to see him so soon after this dreadful news."

"He has been at the funeral, I suppose. It is very proper of him
to inquire for us, and very imperative that we should understand each
other;--the sooner the better. But do not stay if you do not like. I
should prefer to see him alone."

Mr. Dalzell was shown into the darkened drawing-room, where he was some
time in discovering that Miss Melville was alone. A few of the kind
commonplaces which had been so successful on his previous visit--remarks
on the loss she had sustained, on the excellent character of
her deceased uncle, and on the necessity of bearing the blow with
fortitude, which her strong mind was quite capable of--were made by
Mr. Dalzell in unconsciousness that they fell very differently on
Jane's ears now. Jane asked for his mother, and heard that she was very
well, and sent her kindest regards and condolences, and hoped that the
Misses Melville would be able to see her on the following day.

"Were there many people at the funeral?" asked Jane.

"Oh yes, a great man; Mr. Hogarth was so extensively known, and so
much respected."

"Were there any strangers?"