He felt that Rust's own previous criminal life had
been his worst enemy, and that it was the disclosure of his own evil plans
which had been in every mouth long before the trial, that had done much to
harden the feelings of the jury, who in another case might have stretched
a point to save him.

Merely repeating what he had already said, that every thing should be
tried, he took his leave.

* * * * *

Several weeks elapsed. The appeal was made, and was unsuccessful; the
decision of the court below was affirmed; and nothing was left but that
the sentence of the law should be enforced. Rust still maintained his
indifferent bearing. All attempts to move him to any thing like repentance
were unavailing. Pious men had conversed with him, but he had turned a
deaf ear to their words; clergymen, too, anxious even at the last hour to
turn his thoughts to holier things, had called upon him, but were equally
unsuccessful; and at last he forbade them admission.

It was just about dusk, on the day previous to that fixed for his
execution, that he was sitting in his cell, when he was aroused by the
opening of the door. He looked up, and observed a dim figure just inside
the door, cowering as if with fear; but it was so dark that he could not
distinguish more than its mere outline.

'What do you want?' demanded he, harshly. 'Am I a wild beast, that you
have come to stare at me?'

The only reply was a low, suppressed cry, as of one endeavoring to stifle
down severe pain.

Rust rose up, advanced to the figure, and with a sudden jerk threw off the
cloak which enveloped it. It was his own child.

'So it's _you_!' said he, bitterly, as he turned from her. 'And you've
come to see your work. Look at me well. You've succeeded to your heart's
content.'

The girl endeavored to clasp his hand, but he flung her from him; and
facing her, said: 'What you have to say, say at once, and be gone. There
is little policy in seeking me out now, for I have nothing to give.'

The girl cast herself at his feet, in a passion of grief. 'Oh! father!
dear father! I ask nothing, except your forgiveness. Give me _that_, for
the love of GOD! I ask nothing more. Do not refuse me that, as you hope
for forgiveness of your own sins!'

'There was a time,' said Rust, 'when I could not have resisted those
tones, when I could have refused you nothing. My very heart's blood was
yours; but I am changed--changed indeed; since not a