s of innocence, and
gave herself up, fairly challenging a trial! It is not likely,
therefore, that she would run away, if released upon bail."

"Quibbles, sir! quibbles! I know of no exceptions to this rule! Mr.
Sheriff, remove the prisoner."

Mr. Fortescue drew Sybil's arm within his own, and whispered to her:

"I will take you back to the Judge's room, where we will remain while
Sheridan goes before the Court and puts in an application for bail."

Sybil drew her veil again before her face as she was led from the
magistrate's office back to the Judge's room, where she found her young
escort, still anxiously awaiting her.

"It is all right, Raphael," she said, "or rather it will be all right
very soon! Will it not, Mr. Fortescue?"

"I trust and believe so, madam."

"The magistrate insisted that my case was not a bailable one, and indeed
I knew that much myself; but the Judge said that he would admit me to
bail, and he can do so, can he not?" anxiously inquired Sybil.

"The magistrate told you the truth; and besides, he had no power to act
in the matter of releasing you on bail; but your case is a very
exceptional one, Mrs. Berners, and the judge has very great
discretionary powers, which I am sure he will stretch to the utmost in
your behalf."

"I hope without risk to his own position."

The high sheriff smiled.

"Judge Ruthven," he said, "is the most distinguished jurist, as well as
the most honored judge and the most popular man that ever presided in
our courts. His proceedings become precedents. He can venture to do a
great deal. He can afford to risk much!"

While they talked thus together, Mr. Sheridan reentered the room, with a
very cheerful expression on his countenance.

"All will be well," he said, brightly. "Mr. Sheriff, I bear you the
Judge's order to bring your charge into court. Mrs. Berners, you will
meet some friends there, and will, with them, enter into a recognizance
for your appearance at court when called to trial."

Sybil promptly arose and gave her hand to Mr. Fortescue, who drew it
within his arm and led her out of the room, and then from the hotel to
the court-house.

The court-room was, comparatively speaking, empty. The crowd that had
collected to hear a trial for forgery, which was just ended in the
acquittal of the prisoner, had dispersed at its close; and no one
remained but the presiding judge, the officers of the court, a few
lawyers and a group of gentlemen.

As Sybil