they should be needed."

"Oh!" burst forth Sybil in enthusiasm, "what a noble pair is that
brother and sister! What man in this world is worthy to marry Beatrix,
or what woman to be the wife of Clement?"

"Yet I hope they both will be happily wedded, for all that," observed
Lyon. "And now, dear Sybil, you know the rest. You know that Judge
Ruthven 'took the responsibility' of releasing you upon our united
recognizance for your appearance at court! And now, as I have told you
all I have to tell, I would like to hear all that has befallen you since
we parted, and above all, what induced you to give yourself up."

"Stay! tell me; did I not _right_ in giving myself up?"

"Yes, dear Sybil. Being separated from me, and in the hands of outlaws,
you did right to yield to law. But tell me the immediate motive of your
action."

Being so pressed, Sybil commenced and related all that happened to her
from the time that she had been so rudely torn from the side of her
wounded husband to the moment that she met him again in the court-room.
And she did not fail to give due credit to young Raphael, her devoted
worshipper and brave deliverer.

At the close of the narrative, Lyon Berners turned towards the boy,
saying:

"Give me your hand, young friend! Henceforth you are our son, to share
our home and hearts, and to be cared for as long as we all shall live!"

Raphael bowed low over the hand that was extended to him.

And no more words were then spoken, for the carriage was just turning in
to the elm avenue leading up to Black Hall.

But when Sybil came in sight of her home, she suddenly turned to her
husband, and asked:

"Oh, Lyon! what has become of my little Nelly? You know we left her
locked up in our chamber that morning we started out for a walk, and was
stopped by the sheriff's officers in the hall of the hotel. What has
become of her; do you know?"

"She is safe. I brought her from Baltimore to Blackville with me. But
then--I am very sorry; but in the rush of other events I forgot her, and
left her in the hotel. However, she will be well taken care of, for the
people know her."

"I am so glad to hear she is safe. We will send for her to-morrow,"
smiled Sybil.

The carriage rolled on to the house, and drew up before its doors.

Sybil looked out from the window, and saw Miss Tabitha Winterose at the
head of all the house servants, standing on the porch to welcome her.
Among them was her little Skye terrier, held