party, and that affair which was the means of his going to the mill
at all? I don't mind saying so to you in confidence, because I know
you won't repeat it, and I see his brother thinks so too; but nothing
is likely to turn out so well for him as that line of defence; as
things stand now, the present one is good for nothing.'

Dr. May was almost as much grieved at the notion of the youth's
persistence in denying such a crime, as at the danger in which it
involved him, and felt that if he were to be brought to confession,
it should be from repentance, not expediency.

In this mood he drove to Whitford Gaol, made application at the
gates, and was conducted up the stairs to the cell.

The three days of nearly entire solitude and of awful expectation had
told like double the number of years; and there was a stamp of grave
earnest collectedness on the young brow, and a calm resolution of
aspect and movement, free from all excitement or embarrassment, as
Leonard Ward stood up with a warm grateful greeting, so full of
ingenuous reliance, that every doubt vanished at the same moment.

His first question was for Averil; and Dr. May made the best of her
state. 'She slept a little more last night, and her pulse is lower
this morning; but we keep her in bed, half to hinder her from trying
to come here before she is fit. I believe this ailment is the best
thing for her and Henry both,' added the Doctor, seeing how much pain
his words were giving. 'Henry is a very good nurse; it occupies him,
and it is good for her to feel his kindness! Then Minna has come out
in the prettiest way: she never fails in some sweet little tender
word or caress just when it is wanted.'