r, weak
Mrs. Plausaby was past signing wills or recantations.

The next day she died.

And Isa wrote to Albert:

"METROPOLISVILLE, May 17th, 1857.

"MR. CHARLTON:

"DEAR SIR: Your poor mother died yesterday. She suffered little in body,
and her mind was much more peaceful after her last interview with Mr.
Lurton, which resulted in her making a frank statement of the
circumstances of the land-warrant affair. She afterward had it written
down, and signed it, that it might be used to set you free. She also
asked me to tell Miss Minorkey, and I shall send her a letter by this
mail. I am so glad that your innocence is to be proved at last. I have
said nothing about the statement your mother made to any one except Miss
Minorkey, because I am unwilling to use it without your consent. You have
great reason to be grateful to Mr. Lurton. Ho has shown himself your
friend, indeed. I think him an excellent man. He comforted your mother a
great deal. You had better let me put the writing your mother left, into
his hands. I am sure he will secure your freedom for you.

"Your mother died without any will, and all the property is yours.
Your father earned it, and I am glad it goes back to its rightful
owner. You will not agree with me, but I believe in a Providence, now,
more than ever.

"Truly your friend, ISABEL MARLAY."

The intelligence of his mother's death caused Albert a real sorrow. And
yet he could hardly regret it. Charlton was not conscious of anything but
a filial grief. But the feeling of relief modified his sorrow.

The letter filled him with a hope of pardon. Now that he could without
danger to his mother seek release from an unjust incarceration, he became
eager to get out. The possibility of release made every hour of
confinement intolerable.

He experienced a certain dissatisfaction with Isa's letter. She had
always since his imprisonment taken pains to write cordially. He had been
"Dear Mr. Charlton," or "My Dear Mr. Charlton," and sometimes even "My
Dear Friend." Isa was anxious that he should not feel any coldness in her
letters. Now that he was about to be released and would naturally feel
grateful to her, the case was very different. But Albert could not see
why she should be so friendly with him when she had every reason to
believe him guilty, and now that she knew him innocent should freeze him
with a stranger-like coolness. He had resolved to care nothing for her,
and yet here he was anxious for so