not him. I
stole your child and, like a foolish man, ran away, without questioning
you."

"I have been sixteen years seeking these proofs. I would not have come
without them. You are forgiven, for, now that you have the proof, you
believe."

When George Waters went out of the room, he was met by his daughter,
Cora, who asked:

"Father, who is she--the woman in black?"

"An angel--your mother!"

"May I see her?"

"Yes, at once," and he led her to the apartment.

CHAPTER XX.

CONCLUSION.

How calm, how beautiful comes on
The stilly hour, when storms are gone;
When warring winds have died away,
And clouds, beneath the glancing ray,
Melt off, and leave the land and sea
Sleeping in bright tranquillity,
Fresh as if day again were born,
Again upon the lap of Morn.
--Moore.

In his dungeon cell, Charles Stevens learned that the veil of mystery
which, like a threatening cloud, had enshrouded the life of Cora Waters
was lifted, and the sunlight, for the first time, streamed upon her
soul. She knew a mother's love. Her parents, estranged since her
infancy, were again united. Such incidents are told in song and story,
but are seldom known in reality. Charles heard the story in all its
details related by his mother on one of her visits. He also learned that
the colony of Virginia, by royal sanction, had granted a pardon to Mr.
George Waters for the "death of one James Martin, late overseer to
Thomas Hull."

"I am glad they are happy, mother," the unhappy prisoner said.

"It is the reward which in the end awaits the just," she said.

"They have forgotten me."

"Charles, why say you that?"

"Had not Cora Waters forgotten me, surely she would have visited me
while sick and in prison."

"They have just heard of it," she answered.

"Just heard of it!" he repeated, amazed. "I have lain here pining in
this dungeon for three long weeks, and you tell me they have but just
heard of it."

"I am assured they have."

"Mother, that seems impossible. Why, I thought all the world knew it."

"But few know of it, my son. It seems to be the scheme of the
prosecution to keep the matter secret. You have not written. You have
sent no message?"

"No, mother."

"Then, pray, how could they learn of it save by the merest accident? A
passing stranger bore the news."

Charles Stevens heaved a sigh.

"Perhaps 'tis so; but it seemed that my groans and sighs m