isn't as though you can't afford it."

"No, it's not a matter of money," said Paul.

"You're going to plead 'Not guilty,' you say?"

"Yes."

"Then what is the line of defence you're going to offer?"

"That will be seen when the time comes."

"Come now, Stepaside, do be reasonable. I know a man, perhaps the most
brilliant K.C. on the Northern Circuit. Won't you let me bring him to
you?"

Paul shook his head. "No," he said. "I want to see no one."

"No one?"

"No, no one for that purpose. I shall make my own defence in my own
way."

The interview which affected him most during the first weeks after he
had been committed for trial was that between himself and his mother.
He had been sitting alone for hours, brooding over the terrible
position in which he found himself placed, and, naturally, his mind
reverted to Brunford and to its many associations.

"She has never been to see me," he reflected. "Never once. Well,
after all, perhaps it is better not. If she does come I must be very
careful. I was afraid she might have been subpoenaed as a witness at
the inquest, but we were both spared that. It would have been too
terrible. Still, I am afraid they will insist on her being here at the
Assizes. I wonder, I wonder----"

A few seconds later he felt as though his heart had grown cold within
him. He heard his mother's voice as she spoke to a warder; and a
little later they were together. The light was very dim, but still, he
could see the ravages which the last few days had made in her
appearance. During the last few months Paul had reflected on his
mother's looks. She had been growing young and handsome. Her face had
been ruddy and free from marks of care. In spite of everything, the
life with her son had renewed her youth. Her hair was still black and
glossy; her form unbent. It was no wonder--she was still but young in
years, and the effects of the tragedy of her girl-life had begun to
wear away. Many a one in the town had remarked what a handsome woman
Paul Stepaside's mother was, and she, although she professed to care
nothing for her appearance, could not help being pleased. Now,
however, all was changed. The last few days seemed to have added years
to her life. The ruddy hue of health was gone. Her face had become
almost ashen, while in her eyes was a haunted look. Paul was almost
startled as he caught sight of her, although he said nothing. But he
drew his own conclusions, nev