Out of her sphere - University Library

WHAT GLARE WAITED FOR. 127
Audley Dale was there, looking scared and
Horrified. He had never dreamed of any-
thing like this. The more he had thought
over matters, the more it had seemed im-
possible, that any harm could have occurred
to Mrs. Thornton within the Fort. She
must have gone away of her own accord—
perhaps quarrelled with her husband, and,
not having heard of his illness, had not
thought fit to return, but was waiting for
him to make overtures for reconciliation,
quite regardless of the misconstruction that
might be put upon her disappearance. This
had been his solution of matters, and it had
left him much more concerned for himself
than for Mrs. Thornton ; and now this awful
tragedy had come to light, and instead of
being the heroine of a commonplace do-
mestic quarrel, here she was—the best
friend he had ever known—the kind, good-
natured creature, who had been so ready
and prompt with her sympathy and aid.