Thecrashbroughtthefarmer\'swiferushingintotheroom.Christinehadwell-nighsprungoutofhershoes.Mrs.Wake\'senquirywhathadhappenedwasansweredbytheevidenceofherowneyes.
\'Howdiditoccur?\'shesaid.
\'Icannotsay;itwasnotfirmlyfixed,Isuppose.Dearme,howsorryIam!Mydearfather\'shall-clock!AndnowIsupposeitisruined.\'
AssistedbyMrs.Wake,sheliftedtheclock.Everyinchofglasswas,ofcourse,shattered,butverylittleharmbesidesappearedtobedone.Theyproppedituptemporarily,thoughitwouldnotgoagain.
Christinehadsoonrecoveredhercomposure,butshesawthatMrs.