t once."

"I will not detain you, then. A thousand thanks for your kindness! I
pray Heaven that some day I may be able to return it," fervently
exclaimed Lyon Berners, rising from his chair.

Ishmael Worth took his hand and held it while he looked earnestly in his
face, and said:

"You have every good reason now to hope for the best; so much reason not
only to hope, but to feel assured of her release, that I should counsel
you to begin at once your preparations to leave the country, so as to be
able to start on your voyage with her immediately after the pardon
arrives."

"Thanks for your words of comfort! Thanks for your counsel! I always
leave your presence, Mr. Worth, with new life!" warmly exclaimed Lyon
Berners, cordially grasping and shaking the hands that held his own.

Then Ishmael Worth took leave and went away.

Lyon Berners returned to the cell of his wife. He was admitted by the
turnkey in attendance.

He found Sybil fast asleep, on the outside of her bed. Beatrix was
sitting by her, strumming low, soft notes on the guitar as an
accompaniment to a soothing air that she was singing.

"What news?" exclaimed the young lady in half-suppressed eagerness.

"There is a respite for an indefinite period, that Mr. Worth thinks is a
certain prelude to a future pardon," answered Mr. Berners, seating
himself beside his wife's bedside.

"Thank Heaven!" fervently exclaimed Beatrix. "But why not the full
pardon at once?"

Mr. Berners explained the reasons for the delay.

"The people are even more cruel and unjust than the law! But still--oh!
thank Heaven for so much hope and comfort as we have!" she said.

"Mr. Worth feels so sure of the pardon, that he advises me to make all
necessary preparations, so as to be able to leave the country
immediately upon my wife's liberation," added Mr. Berners.

"That will be glorious! Oh! do you know that advice seems so practical
that it gives me more confidence than anything else which has been
said?" exclaimed Miss Pendleton, eagerly. "I will tell Clement to begin
to get ready at once! For you know we are set to go with you!"

"God bless you!" was the only response of Lyon Berners. Then he
inquired, "How did my dear wife happen to fall asleep at this hour?"

"She laid down to rest. Then I took the guitar and sang to her and she
fell asleep like an infant."

At that moment Sybil awoke with a smile, and greeted her husband
pleasantly.

He stooped and kissed her; but