Yes, sir. I saw the deed done."

"You did? Good heavens!"

"Don't swear, squire. Yes, I saw the stab given, with that 'ere long
knife; and it wasn't the baronet did it, either, though you're going to
hang him for it to-morrow."

"In Heaven's name, man, who did the deed?"

"Sybilla Silver!"

"I knew it--I thought it--I said it! The she-devil! Poor, poor Lady
Kingsland!"

"Ma'am," said the American, turning to his veiled companion, "perhaps
it will relieve Mr. Bryson's gushing bosom to behold your face. Jest
lift that 'ere veil."

"All-merciful Heaven! the dead alive! Lady Kingsland!"

CHAPTER XXXV.

HIGHLY SENSATIONAL.

Sybilla Silver went straight from the prison cell of Sir Everard to the
sick-room of his mother. It was almost eleven when she reached the
Court, but they watched the night through in that house of mourning.

Leaving the fly before the front entrance, Sybilla stole round to that
side door she had used the memorable night of March tenth. She
admitted herself without difficulty, and proceeded at once to Lady
Kingsland's sick-room.

She tapped lightly at the door. It was opened instantly, and the pale
face of Mildred looked out.

"You here! How dare you, you cruel, wicked, merciless woman!" she
indignantly cried.

"Hard words, Miss Kingsland. Let me in, if you please--I wish to see
your mother."

"You shall not come in! The sight of you will kill her! Was it not
enough to swear away the life of her only son? Do you want to blast
her dying hours with the sight of your base, treacherous face?"

With a look of scornful contempt, Sybilla took her by the shoulder and
drew her out of the room.

"Don't be an idiot, Mildred Kingsland! I gave my evidence--how could I
help it? It wasn't my fault that your brother murdered his wife. I
must see your mother for ten minutes. I bring a last message from her
son."

"You have been to prison!" she cried. "You dare look my brother in the
face!"

"Just as easily as I do his sister. Am I to see Lady Kingsland, or
shall I go as I came, with Sir Everard's message undelivered?"

"The sight of you will kill her."

"We must risk that."

She passed into the room as she spoke.

"Wait here," she said. "I must see her quite alone, but it will only
be for a few minutes."

She closed the door and stood alone in the sick lady's room.

"Is it you, Mildred? The light is too strong."

"It is not Mildred, my lady. It is I."

"