wards Paul, who remained perfectly calm. His
face was hard and stony. Not a tremor was to be seen. He seemed to
have no nerves. Then, before the first witness was called, he looked
round the court and saw, for the first time, the face of Mary Bolitho.
He had no idea that she would be present, and for a moment his heart
became cold and heavy. Their eyes met, and she smiled. It is true her
face was deadly pale, but there was no lack of confidence in the look
she gave him. As plainly as words could say them she said: "Do not
fear, Paul. I love you. I know you're innocent, and I will save you."

In spite of all that had taken place, his heart became light again. He
still adhered to his resolution to keep his secret in his heart, but
that one look changed the whole atmosphere of the place. He knew that
the one, and the only one, for whom he cared, believed in his innocence
and looked upon him with eyes of love.

The counsel was about to call the first witness when there was a sound
of confusion. Through the crowded court a woman was making her way,
and Paul, looking, saw his mother. How she got there he did not know,
but got there she had. He saw how pale and haggard her face was, saw,
too, that her eyes gleamed with the old light which had shone from them
on the night of the murder. He thought she seemed to be making
straight for him, but she presently stopped. The judge was at that
moment busily making notes. Presently, however, he lifted his head as
if in wonder at the counsel's delay. She looked at Paul, but only for
a moment. Her eyes were fixed upon Judge Bolitho.

"It's Stepaside's mother," whispered someone to Mr. Bakewell, and many
eyes were turned towards her.

Then a scream rent the air--a scream of agony, of madness, and the
woman fell down in the court insensible.

CHAPTER XIX

PAUL DISCOVERS HIS FATHER

As may be imagined, the sensation in the court was very great, but it
quickly died away. Paul's mother was immediately removed, and the
order of the day was resumed. For some time, however, Paul was unable
to give due attention to what was taking place. The sight of his
mother's face, added to the stress of the scene through which he was
passing, was affecting his iron nerves in spite of himself. Presently,
however, when someone whispered to him, saying that his mother was
quite recovered, he seemed more at ease, and was able to devote his
attention to the evidence which was