; it's quite
understandable--long weeks of suspense and agony, and then this on the
top of it!" He did not ask any further questions, for Dr. White was a
wise man. He knew the whole circumstances of Paul's arrest, and was
therefore able to estimate the truth.

"Mrs. Stepaside has had a great shock. Of course, I need not repeat
that, and she may lie like this for some days. One cannot tell the
developments which will take place."

"Do you think she will die?" asked Mary anxiously.

"She's had enough to kill her, anyhow!" replied the doctor, "but she
may pull through. We'll do our best. Whatever happens, nothing must
be said or done to agitate her--you understand that? I fancy she will
have fleeting periods of consciousness, but she must be always met with
a smile. I am sure you understand this?"

"But how long will it be before--before she is allowed to talk?"

"Weeks!" replied the doctor shortly; and the word seemed like a knell
of death. If Paul's mother were not allowed to speak, if she could not
make her confession, then Paul might die! The thought was horrible,
yet what could she do? Even if she became strong enough to speak and
to make her confession, it would not be of any value. Any judge or
jury would regard it as the ravings of a disordered mind.

"You're here alone," went on the doctor. "Of course I understand why
you came with her," and again he looked at the newspaper which Mary had
been reading.

The girl did not reply, and the doctor went on. "But you must have
help. It would be madness for you to remain here alone. Of course the
servants are in Manchester. They have been summoned as witnesses. But
do not trouble; I'll help you. I'll send a nurse at once, and I think
I can manage about the servants, too--that's the best of knowing
everyone, Miss Bolitho. I'll call again in a couple of hours.
Good-day."

To Mary the man's conduct seemed utterly brutal. He uttered no word of
comfort. The few words he spoke were curt, almost harsh; and yet she
knew he was a kind man. She continued to sit by the bed, looking at
the sick woman's face, her heart filled with a great dread. She could
do nothing. She must only remain there and wait and watch.

In about an hour Dr. White returned. This time there was a nurse with
him. Mary did not know that he had, on leaving her, driven to the
hospital at a speed which endangered the community, obtained the
services of a nurse, and then came ba