its absolute paleness was heightened by the jet black of her dress till it appeared preternatural. When she reached the gate at the other end of the orchard, which opened nearly opposite to the churchyard, Bathsheba heard singing inside the church, and she knew that the singers were practising. She opened the gate, crossed the road and entered the graveyard, the high sills of the church windows effectually screening her from the eyes of those gathered within. Her stealthy walk was to the nook wherein Troy had worked at planting flowers upon Fanny Robin's grave, and she came to the marble tombstone.
A motion of satisfaction enlivened her face as she read the complete inscription. First came the words of Troy himself:—
Erected by Francis Troy
In Memory of
Fanny Robin,
Who died October 9, 18—,
Aged 20 years.
Underneath this was now inscribed in new letters:
In the same grave lie
The remains of the aforesaid
Francis Troy,
Who died December 24th, 18—,
Aged 26 years.
Whilst she stood and read and meditated the
