They contained this telegraphic item, copied from the evening papers: 

“The coroner’s inquest that has been sitting at Lone, returned last night a verdict of murder against Peters, the valet of the late Sir Lemuel Levison, and against some person or persons unknown.  The valet has been arrested and committed to gaol to await the action of the grand jury.  It is said that he is very much depressed in spirits, and it is supposed that he will make a full confession, and save himself from the extreme penalty of the law by giving up the names of his confederates in the crime, and turning Queen’s evidence against them.”

Rose did not read the papers at all.  They did not interest that fine animal.

She went shopping that day, and bought a blazing scarlet cashmere shawl.  Mr. Scott did not return in the evening, but she was not troubled.  She had a roast pheasant, champagne, and candied fruits for supper, and she was happy.

She went shopping the next day, and bought a flashing set of jewels.

Mr. Scott did not return in the evening, but she had another luxurious supper, and was still happy.  In this way a week passed, and still Mr. Scott did not come back.  But Rose shopped and gormandized and enjoyed her healthy animal life.

Then she felt tempted to wear her gold watch and chain when she dressed to go abroad.  So one morning she put it on, and went out.  She had not the slightest suspicion of the danger to which she exposed herself by wearing it.  She was not afraid of any one finding it in her possession, except her husband.  So she wore it proudly day after day.

One morning, about ten days after the departure of “Mr. Scott,” the postman left a letter for her.  It was a drop-letter.  She opened it and read.

It was without date or signature, and merely contained these lines: 

“Business detains me from you longer than I had expected to stay.  Do not be anxious.  I will return or send very soon.”

Rose was not anxious.  She was enjoying herself.  Now after shopping and eating and drinking all day, she went to the theatre at night.  The theatre—­one of the humblest in the city—­was a new sensation to her, and her first visit to one was so delightful that she resolved to repeat it every evening.

“I shanna fash mysel’ anent Johnnie ony mair.  He’ll come hame when he gets ready,” she said in her heart.

But weeks grew into months, and “Johnnie” did not come home.

Rose’s five hundred pounds had sunk down to fifty pounds, and then indeed she did begin to grow impatient for the return of her husband.  Suppose the money should give out before he came back?

One day, while she was disturbing herself by these questions, she went out shopping as usual.  When she had made her purchases she looked at her watch, and found that it had stopped.  She was too ignorant to know what was the matter with it.  She only knew that when she wound it up it would not go.