e, meaning Sister Mellicent, has serious reasons for
not accompanying her relatives to England, and has no other friends to
take charge of her welfare, if she remains in New York. (Third): That
she appeals to the mercy of the Council, under these circumstances,
to accept the expression of her sincere repentance for the offence of
violating a Rule, and to permit a friendless and penitent creature to
return to the only home left to her, her home at Tadmor.' No, friend
Amelius--we have no time for expressions of sympathy; the first half of
the ten minutes has nearly expired. I have further to notify you that
the question was put to the vote, in this form: 'Is it consistent with
the serious responsibility which rests on the Council, to consider the
remission of any sentence justly pronounced under the Book of Rules?'
The result was very remarkable; the votes for and against being equally
divided. In this event, as you know, our laws provide that the
decision rests with the Elder Brother--who gave his vote thereupon for
considering the remission of the sentence; and moved the next resolution
that the sentence be remitted accordingly. Carried by a small majority.
Whereupon, Sister Mellicent was received again at Tadmor."

"Ah, the dear old Elder Brother," cried Amelius--"always on the side of
mercy!"

Brother Bawkwell held up his hand in protest. "You seem to have no
idea," he said, "of the value of time. Do be quiet! As travelling
representative of the Council, I am further instructed to say, that
the sentence pronounced against yourself stands duly remitted, in
consequence of the remission of the sentence against Sister Mellicent.
You likewise are free to return to Tadmor, at your own will and
pleasure. But--attend to what is coming, friend Amelius!--the Council
holds to its resolution that your choice between us and the world shall
be absolutely unbiased. In the fear of exercising even an indirect
influence, we have purposely abstained from corresponding with you. With
the same motive we now say, that if you do return to us, it must be with
no interference on our part. We inform you of an event that has happened
in your absence--and we do no more."

He paused, and looked again at his watch. Time proverbially works
wonders. Time closed his lips.

Amelius replied with a heavy heart. The message from the Council had
recalled him from the remembrance of Mellicent to the sense of his own
position. "My experience of the worl