lleagues dispersed? Is not your assembly
formally adjourned to another town? Is it not known that the great
majority of the delegates have returned to their homes? And why not you
to yours?"

"I have no home," said Gerard, almost in a voice of harshness. "I came
here to do the business that was wanting, and, by the blessing of God, I
will do it. I am no changeling, nor can I refine and split straws, like
your philosophers and Morleys: but if the people will struggle, I will
struggle with them; and die, if need be, in the front. Nor will I
be deterred from my purpose by the tears of a girl," and he released
himself from the hand of his daughter with abruptness.

Sybil looked up to heaven with streaming eyes, and clasped her hands
in unutterable woe. Gerard moved again towards the door, but before he
reached it, his step faltered, and he turned again and looked at his
daughter with tenderness and anxiety. She remained in the same position,
save that her arms that had fallen were crossed before her, and her
downward glance seemed fixed in deep abstraction. Her father approached
her unnoticed; he took her hand; she started, and looking round with a
cold and distressed expression, said, in a smothered tone, "I thought
you had gone."

"Not in anger, my sweet child," and Gerard pressed her to his heart.

"But you go," murmured Sybil.

"These men await me," said Gerard. "Our council is of importance. We
must take some immediate steps for the aid of our brethren in distress
at Birmingham, and to discountenance similar scenes of outbreak as this
affair: but the moment this is over, I will come back to you; and
for the rest, it shall be as you desire; to-morrow we will return to
Mowbray."

Sybil returned her father's embrace with a warmth which expressed
her sense of his kindness and her own soothed feelings, but she said
nothing; and bidding her now to be of good cheer, Gerard quitted the
apartment.

Book 5 Chapter 4

The clock of St John's church struck three, and the clock of St John's
church struck four; and the fifth hour sounded from St John's church;
and the clock of St John's was sounding six. And Gerard had not yet
returned.

The time for a while after his departure had been comparatively
light-hearted and agreeable. Easier in her mind and for a time busied
with the preparations for their journey, Sybil sate by the open window
more serene and cheerful than for a long period had been her wont.
Someti