derly
placing the child in Miss Winterose's arms.

Mr. Berners told Joe to have the carriage brought around and to prepare
to drive it, and then he gave his arm to Sybil, who really needed its
support in going up to her chamber.

Beatrix followed her.

Raphael walked up and down the length of the breakfast-room, in
uncontrollable agitation.

Miss Tabby clasped the child to her bosom, and rocking him and herself
to and fro, wept and sobbed bitterly.

"And as for me, I feel like a hangman," muttered old Mr. Fortescue to
himself as he stood looking moodily out of the window.

Mr. Fortescue had not been high sheriff very long, and was new to the
ghastly duties of his office, to be sure, he might have easily deputed
this irksome task to another, but he chose to perform it himself, lest
that others should not do it so kindly.

In a few moments Sybil returned, ready for her drive.

She was dressed--her dress was afterwards minutely described in the
county paper, and also in many others that reported the trial--she was
dressed then in a light gray suit throughout, bonnet, mantle, and gown
being of the same material, and even gloves and veil of the same hue; a
pale blush rose relieved the neutral shade of her bonnet, and a ribbon
of the same delicate tint fastened her small linen collar.

Beatrix Pendleton, in a black silk suit, with a black lace bonnet and
shawl, followed her.

Beatrix, with the warm approbation of her brother, had determined to sit
in the dock, beside Sybil. She, the falsely accused lady, should not go
there unsupported by the presence of another lady.

"Good-bye, Raphael! good-bye, Miss Tabby! I hope to be back this
evening. Good-bye, dear little Cro'! Sybil will bring you something
good, when she comes," said Mrs. Berners, with all the cheerfulness she
could command.

But Raphael turned pale as death when he silently gave her his hand.

Miss Tabby could not speak, for hysterical sobs.

Little Cro' cried outright.

To shorten this trying scene, Mr. Berners drew his wife's arm within his
own and led her to the carriage. He had just settled her in the back
seat, when little Nelly rushed past everybody, and ran up the steps, and
crouched breathless and palpitating at the feet of her mistress.

"Yes; let her stay, Lyon," said Sybil, lifting the faithful little
creature to her lap.

Mr. Berners next helped Miss Pendleton to a seat beside his wife, then
entered the carriage and took his place