owever,
there is no occasion to come to any sudden determination at present.
I myself should advise a change of scene and thought before you decide
anything finally. I have a brother living in London and he would, I am
sure, very gladly take you in for a fortnight and show you the sights of
London."

"Thank you, sir, you are very kind," Ned said quietly; "but I have got
to face it out at Marsden, and I would rather begin at once."

Mr. Porson saw by the set, steady look upon Ned's face that he had
thoroughly made up his mind as to the part he had to play, and that any
further argument would be of no avail. It was not until the postchaise
was approaching Marsden that any further allusion was made to Ned's
mother. Then the doctor, after consulting Mr. Porson by various
upliftings of the eyebrows, returned to the subject.

"Ned, my boy, we were speaking some little time ago of your mother. I
think it is best that I should tell you frankly that I do not consider
her any longer responsible for her actions. I tell you this in order
that you may not be wounded by your reception.

"Since that fatal day she has not left her bed. She declares that she
has lost all power in her limbs. Of course that is nonsense, but the
result is the same. She keeps her bed, and, as far as I can see, is
likely to keep it. This is perhaps the less to be regretted, as you will
thereby avoid being thrown into contact with her; for I tell you plainly
such contact, in her present state of mind, could only be unpleasant
to you. Were you to meet, it would probably at the least bring on a
frightful attack of hysterics, which in her present state might be a
serious matter. Therefore, my boy, you must make up your mind not to see
her for awhile. I have talked the matter over with your old nurse, who
will remain with your mother as housekeeper, with a girl under her.
You will, of course, take your place as master of the house, with your
brother and sister with you, until your mother is in a position to
manage--if ever she should be. But I trust at any rate that she will
ere long so far recover as to be able to receive you as the good son you
have ever been to her."

"Thank you," Ned said quietly. "I understand, doctor."

Ned did understand that his mother was convinced of his guilt and
refused to see him; it was what he expected, and yet it was a heavy
trial. Very cold and hard he looked as the postchaise drove through the
streets of Marsden. People g