ch she repeated every day of her life--words
which she had taught Rosie.

"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

If God were to forgive her as she forgave Vivian, what would become of
her? Would she ever see Rosie again? And then a cry for help and
strength to do it went up beyond the stars.

The Earl was quietly waiting for the repetition of Vivian's answer. It
came at last--the answer--not a repetition.

"Saint Mary love us, my Lord! I never meant any harm."

"You never meant!" replied a stern voice, not at all like Earl Edmund's
gentle tones. "Did you _do_ it?"

Before Vivian could reply, to every one's astonishment, and most of all
to his, Clarice threw herself down on her knees, and deprecatingly
kissed the hand which rested on the arm of her master's chair.

"Mercy, my good Lord, I entreat you! It was a pure accident, and
nothing more. I know Sir Vivian meant no more than to push the child
gently out of his way. He did not calculate on the force he used. It
was only an accident--he never thought of hurting her. For the sake of
my dead darling, whom I know you loved, my gracious Lord, grant me mercy
for her father!"

The silence was broken for a moment only by Heliet's sobs. The Earl had
covered his face with his hands. Then he looked into Clarice's pleading
eyes, with eyes in which unshed tears were glistening.

"Dame Clarice," said Earl Edmund in his softest tone, "_you_ wish me to
grant Sir Vivian mercy?"

"I implore it of your Lordship, for His sake to whom my child is gone,
and hers."

The Earl's eyes went to Vivian, who stood looking the picture of guilt
and misery.

"You hear, Sir Vivian? You are pardoned, but not for your sake. Be it
yours to repay this generous heart."

The party dispersed in a few minutes. But when Ademar and Heliet found
themselves alone, the former said--"Will he love her after this?"

"Love her!" returned Heliet. "My dear husband, thou dost not know that
man. He owes his life to her generosity, and he will never forgive her
for it."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 1. Rot. Pat., 22 Edward the First.

Note 2. The language of this sentence is remarkable:--"Jeo ou nul autre
en moun noun purchace absolucion _ou de Apostoile ou de autre
souerein_." (Rot. Pat., 22 Edward the First.)

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

THE SUN BREAKS OUT.

"If from Thine ordeal's heated bars,
Our feet are seamed w