and compelled to hear their vile ribaldry, and, finally, compelled
to an ignominious punishment, among the vicious, in a workhouse!
The disgrace was more than she could bear. It seemed her heart would
break. Overcome by her emotions, she left the room, followed by Anne,
who partook of her grief and indignation.

All participated in the feelings of the young ladies, and, as might
be supposed, the young men most. To Pownal, a wish of Anne's was a
command; nor was there a danger, scarcely, he would have refused to
encounter to gratify her. He had never, indeed, breathed a word of
love, but he had flattered himself of late that she understood his
feelings, and that the knowledge gave her no displeasure; and, in
spite of the disparity in their conditions, hope nestled at the
bottom of his heart. Besides, Faith was with him a favorite, and it
distressed him to witness her excitement.

Nor could William Bernard behold unmoved the tears of Faith, or the
agitation of his sister. Never, indeed, before had the divine eyes of
Faith Armstrong so affected him as now, when suffused with tears; nor
had her beauty ever shone so resplendent. Upon the withdrawal of the
girls, he put his arm into that of Pownal, and drawing him into a
recess, the young men took counsel together respecting what should be
done.

At the appointed hour, all parties were again present in the little
office of the lawyer, and the examination commenced. It is unnecessary
to recapitulate in full the testimony. In spite of the ingenuity
of Mr. Tippit, who closely cross-examined the witnesses for the
prosecution, and thereby only made them rather strengthen than weaken
the force of their testimony, the facts were fully proved. Indeed, the