stin were formerly in a humbler sphere of life; that he was a
half-pay officer; but there was still no clue to such interest about
Joey Rushbrook. Mary thought and thought over and over again, revolved
all that had passed in her mind, but could make nothing of it; and she
was still trying to solve the mystery when the housemaid came into the
room, and informed her that Mrs Austin's bell had rung twice. Mrs
Austin, on her part, was still more bewildered; she could not regain
sufficient calmness to enable her to decide how to act. Her son in
prison, to be tried for his life for a crime he had not committed!
Would he divulge the truth, and sacrifice the father? She thought not.
If he did not, would he not be condemned? and if he were, could she
remain away from him? or ought she not to divulge what the boy would
conceal? And if he did confess the truth, would they find out that Mr
Austin and Joseph Rushbrook were one and the same person? Would there
be any chance of his escape? Would he not, sooner or later, be
recognised? How dreadful was her situation! Then, again, should she
acquaint her husband with the position of his son? If so, would he come
forward? Yes, most certainly he would never let Joey suffer for his
crime. Ought she to tell her husband? And then Mary, who knew so much
already, who had witnessed her distress and anguish, who was so fond of
her son, could she trust her? Could she do without trusting her? Such
were the various and conflicting ideas which passed in the mind of Mrs
Austin. At last she resolved that she would say nothing to her husband;
that she would send Mary to her son, and that she would that evening
have more conversation with the girl, and decide, after she had talked
with her, whether she would make her a confidant or not. Having made up
her mind so far, she rang the bell for Mary.

"Are you better, madam?" asked Mary, who had entered the room, very
quietly.

"Yes, I thank you, Mary; take your work and sit down; I wish to have
some more conversation with you about this young person, Joseph
Rushbrook; you must have seen that I am much interested about him."

"Yes, madam."

"There were some portions of your story, Mary, which I do not quite
understand. You have now lived with me for five years, and I have had
every reason to be satisfied with your behaviour. You have conducted
yourself as a well-behaved, modest, and attentive young woman."

"I am much obliged to you,