The Changeling

The Changeling is a novel written by the English novelist Sir Walter Besant who wrote many fiction, non-fiction and plays.  Among his more than 50 writings notable one are The Alabaster Box, All in a Garden Fair, Beyond the Dreams of Avarice, The Captains' Room, The Fourth Generation, The Rebel Queen, and The Orange Girl.
Excerpts from the Novel:
"Pray be seated, madam." The doctor offered his visitor a chair. Then he closed the door, with perhaps a more marked manner than one generally displays in this simple operation. "I am happy to inform you," he began, "that the arrangements—the arrangements," he repeated with meaning, "are now completed."
The lady was quite young—not more than twenty-two or so—a handsome woman, a woman of distinction. Her face was full of sadness; her eyes were full of trouble; her lips trembled; her fingers nervously clutched the arms of the chair. When the doctor mentioned the arrangements, her cheek flushed and then paled. In a word, she betrayed every external sign of terror, sorrow, and anxiety.