MR. MEADOWS did not visit Grassmere for some days; the cruel one distrusted his own firmness. When he did come he came with a distinct purpose. He found Merton alone.
"Susan sees no one. You have heard?"
"What?"
"Her sweetheart. He is dead."
"Why, how can that be? And who says so?"
"That is the news."
"Well, it is a falsehood!" sa