what would be the consequence. If it can only be kept
from his knowledge! God knows that he has suffered enough! But what am
I saying? I was talking nonsense."

"Oh, madam! I know the whole; I cannot be blinded either by Joey or
you. I beg your pardon, madam; but although Joey would not reply, I
told him that his father did the deed. But do not answer me, madam; be
silent, as your son has been: and believe me when I say that my
suspicion could not be wrenched from me even by torture."

"I do trust you, Mary; and perhaps the knowledge that you have obtained
is advantageous. When does the trial come on?"

"The assizes commence to-morrow forenoon, madam, they say."

"Oh! how I long to have him in these arms!" exclaimed Mrs Austin.

"It is indeed a sad trial to a mother, madam," replied Mary; "but still
it must not be until after he is--"

"Yes; until he is condemned! God have mercy on me; Mary, you had better
return to Exeter; but write to me every day. Stay by him and comfort
him; and may the God of comfort listen to the prayers of an unhappy and
distracted mother! Leave me now. God bless you, my dear girl! you have
indeed proved a comfort. Leave me now."

CHAPTER FORTY SEVEN.

IN WHICH OUR HERO PROVES GAME TO THE VERY LAST.

Mary returned to Exeter. The trial of our hero was expected to come on
on the following day. She preferred being with Joey to witnessing the
agony and distress of Mrs Austin, to whom she could offer no comfort;
indeed, her own state of suspense was so wearing, that she almost felt
relief when the day of trial came on. Mr Trevor had once more
attempted to reason with Joey, but our hero continued firm in his
resolution, and Mr Trevor, when he made his appearance in the court,
wore upon his countenance the marks of sorrow and discontent; he did
not, nevertheless, fail in his duty. Joey was brought to the bar, and
his appearance was so different from that which was to be expected in
one charged with the crime of murder, that strong interest was
immediately excited; the spectators anticipated a low-bred ruffian, and
they beheld a fair, handsome young man, with an open brow and
intelligent countenance, whose eye quailed not when it met their own,
and whose demeanour was bold without being offensive. True that there
were traces of sorrow on his countenance, and that his cheeks were pale;
but no one who had any knowledge of human nature, or any feeling of
charity in his dispo