and impartiality, have patiently
and attentively listened to the evidence in this case, and have under
oath endeavored to discover the truth of this charge. You have had the
benefit of a fair trial, by unbiased judges, and finally, the jury in
the conscientious discharge of their duty, have convicted you of
manslaughter in the first degree, and commended you to the mercy of the
Court. In consideration of your youth, of the peculiar circumstances
surrounding you, and especially, in deference to the wishes and
recommendation of the jury--whose verdict, the Court approves, I
therefore pronounce upon you the lightest penalty which the law affixes
to the crime of manslaughter, of which you stand convicted; which
sentence is--that you be taken hence to the State Penitentiary, and
there be kept securely, for the term of five years."

With a swift movement, Mr. Dunbar drew the crape veil over her face,
put her arm through his, and led her into the corridor. Hurriedly he
exchanged some words in an undertone with the two officers, who
accompanied him to the rear entrance of the court-house; and then, in
answer to a shrill whistle, a close carriage drawn by two horses drew
up to the door, followed by the dismal equipage set apart for the
transportation of prisoners. The deputy sheriff stepped forward, trying
to shield the girl from the driving rain, and assisted her into the
carriage. Mr. Dunbar sprang in and seated himself opposite. The officer
closed the door, ordered the coachman to drive on, and then entering
the gloomy black box, followed closely, keeping always in sight of the
vehicle in advance.

The clock striking ten, sounded through the muffling storm a knell as
mournful as some tolling bell, while into that wild, moaning Friday
night, went the desolate woman, wearing henceforth the brand of
Cain--remanded to the convict's home.

She had thrown back her veil to ease the stifling sensation in her
throat, and Mr. Dunbar could see now and then, as they dashed past a
street lamp, that she sat upright, still as stone.

At last she said, in a tone peculiarly calm, like that of one talking
in sleep:

"What did it mean--that verdict?"

"That you went back to 'Elm Bluff' with no intention of attacking Gen'l
Darrington."

"That I went there deliberately to steal, and then to avoid detection,
killed him? That was the verdict of the jury?"

She waited a moment.

"Answer me. That was the meaning? That was the most mercif