is own purposes. Mr. Walker told them that Mr. Fothergill
was right, and that the only excuse to be made for Mr. Crawley was
that he was out of his senses.

"I don't see it," said Lord Lufton. "I might have a lot of paper
money by me, and not know from Adam where I got it."

"But you would have to show where you got it, my lord, when inquiry
was made," said Mr. Fothergill.

Lord Lufton, who was not particularly fond of Mr. Fothergill, and was
very unwilling to be instructed by him in any of the duties of a
magistrate, turned his back at once upon the duke's agent; but within
three minutes afterwards he had submitted to the same instructions
from Mr. Walker.

Mr. Crawley had again seated himself, and during this period of the
affair was leaning over the table with his face buried on his arms.
Mrs. Crawley sat by his side, utterly impotent as to any assistance,
just touching him with her hand, and waiting behind her veil till
she should be made to understand what was the decision of the
magistrates. This was at last communicated to her,--and to him,--in
a whisper by Mr. Walker. Mr. Crawley must understand that he was
committed to take his trial at Barchester, at the next assizes, which
would be held in April, but that bail would be taken;--his own bail
in five hundred pounds, and that of two others in two hundred and
fifty pounds each. And Mr. Walker explained further that he and the
bailmen were ready, and that the bail-bond was prepared. The bailmen
were to be the Rev. Mr. Robarts and Major Grantly. In five minutes the
bond was signed and Mr. Crawley was at liberty to go away, a free
man,--till the Barchester Assizes should come round in April.

Of all that was going on at this time Mr. Crawley knew little or
nothing, and Mrs. Crawley did not know much. She did say a word of
thanks to Mr. Robarts, and begged that the same might be said to--the
other gentleman. If she had heard the Major's name she did not
remember it. Then they were led out back into the bedroom, where Mrs
Walker was found, anxious to do something, if she only knew what, to
comfort the wretched husband and the wretched wife. But what comfort
or consolation could there be within their reach? There was tea made
ready for them, and sandwiches cut from the Inn larder. And there was
sherry in the Inn decanter. But no such comfort as that was possible
for either of them.

They were taken home again in the fly, returning without the escort
of Mr. Thomp