sed to
go and see that unfortunate girl who is in prison."

"Leo Gordon, you don't mean to tell me that you are going into the
penitentiary!"

"Why not?"

"It is highly improper for a young lady to visit such places, and I am
astonished that you should feel any inclination to see the countenances
of the depraved wretches herded there. I totally disapprove of such an
incomprehensible freak."

"Then I will hold the scheme in abeyance, until I ask Uncle Mitchell's
advice. I shall call at his office, and request him to go with me."

"Don't you know that the Grand Jury brought in a true bill against that
young woman? She is indicted for murder, robbery and the destruction of
her grandfather's will. Mitchell tells me the evidence is overwhelming
against her, and you know he was disposed to defend her at first."

"Yes, Aunty. I am aware that everything looks black for the unfortunate
girl; but I learn she is very ill, and as it cannot possibly injure me
to endeavor to contribute to her physical comfort. I shall go and sec
her, unless Uncle Mitchell refuses his consent to my visit to the
prison."

"But, Leo, what do you suppose Mr. Dunbar will think and say, when he
hears of this extraordinary procedure?"

"Mr. Dunbar is neither the custodian of my conscience, nor the guardian
and dictator of my actions. Good-bye, Aunty dear. Justine, show Mrs.
Graham in."

"Mr. Dunbar will never forgive such a step; because, like all other
men, no matter how much license he allows himself, he is very exacting
and fastidious about the demeanor of his lady-love."

"I shall not ask absolution of Mr. Dunbar, and I hope my womanly
intuitions are a safer and more refined guide, than any man's
fastidiousness. Remember, Aunt Patty, religion's holiest work consists
in ministering to souls steeped in sin. Are we too pure to follow where
Christ led the way?"

CHAPTER XI.

"Madam, I ordered the prisoner's head shaved. Did you understand my
instructions?"

"Yes, sir."

"Why were my orders not obeyed?"

"Because I don't intend you shall make a convict of her, before she has
been tried and sentenced. She has the most glorious suit of hair I ever
looked at, and I shall save it till the last moment. Doctor Moffat, you
need not swear and fume, for I don't allow even my husband to talk ugly
to me. You directed a blister put on the back of the neck, as close as
possible to the skull; it is there, and it is drawing fast enough to
sati