The Doctor (as I concluded) was still strongly impressed by
the Minister's resolution to adopt a child whose wicked mother
had committed the most atrocious of all crimes. Was some serious
foreboding in secret possession of his mind? My curiosity to hear
him was now increased tenfold. I replied without hesitation:

"I agree with you."

He looked at me with his sense of humor twinkling in his eyes.
"Do you know I rather expected that answer?" he said, slyly.
"All right. I'll come back."

Left by myself, I took up the day's newspaper.

My attention wandered; my thoughts were in the cell with
the Minister and the Prisoner. How would it end? Sometimes, I was
inclined to doubt with the Doctor. Sometimes, I took refuge in
my own more hopeful view. These idle reflections were agreeably
interrupted by the appearance of my friend, the Chaplain.

"You are always welcome," I said; "and doubly welcome just now.
I am feeling a little worried and anxious."

"And you are naturally," the Chaplain added, "not at all disposed
to receive a stranger?"

"Is the stranger a friend of yours?" I asked.

"Oh, no! Having occasion, just now, to go into the waiting-room,