And you, ma'am--it must be very terrible
for you."
"Losing him in such a way, it is that which embitters my grief. But
this gentleman"--she turned to Mr. Loftus--"comes from the Embassy to
seal up his lordship's papers."
"Quite right, ma'am. That ought to be done without delay."
"We can go down into the cabin, then?" said Mrs. Wilders.
"Why! surely, ma'am, you ought to know the way. Mr. Hemmings"--this
was the valet--"is not on board, as you know: but I will send the
second steward if you want any help."
Assisted by the steward, Mr. Loftus proceeded in a business-like
manner to place the seals of the Embassy upon the desk, drawers, and
other receptacles in Lord Lydstone's cabin. While they were thus
employed, Mrs. Wilders sat at the cabin-table under the skylight, her
head resting on one hand, and in an attitude that indicated the
prostration of great sorrow. The other hand was on the table,
fingering idly the various objects that strewed it. There were an
inkstand, a pen-tray, a seal, a blotting-book or portfolio, and many
other odds and ends.
This blotting-book, with the same listless, aimless action, Mrs.
Wilders presently turned to, and turned over the leaves one by one.
Between two of them she came upon a letter, left there by accident, or
to be answered perhaps that day.
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