Out of her sphere - University Library

124 OUT OF HER SPHERE.
extracted. That it was a woman the dress-
showed at once ;
that it was Mrs. Thornton
was a conclusion readily arrived at by those
who had gone there to search for her.
She could not have come by her death
fairly. That was the general opinion. But
there was no question of robbery, for the
poor, mutilated form had still its wedding-
ring and rich gold keeper on, and round
the neck the chain, with the watch attached^
that she was in the habit of wearing in life.
If she had been killed for the purpose of
plunder, her murderer would have made
secure of these.
Who, then, could have slain her? She
was a woman without a single enemy.
People had found fault with her dress, with
her manners, as unsuitable to her position
but with the lower class her frank good-
nature had made her popular. Not one of
them would have injured her; while, amongst
her equals, it was not to be believed that
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