changed voice. "Before God, I couldn't help it." a changed voice. "Before God, I couldn't help it." [Transcriber's note: These two fragmented lines appear, as shown, at this point in the original text.] Lawson stepped softly out of the room. The moment he had done so, George said eagerly: "He has told you, hasn't he?" Effie nodded. "Then I needn't go over it. Let's talk of something else. How is mother?" "She is very ill indeed--she watched for you all the evening." "Watched for me? But I told her I shouldn't be back to-night." "Yes; but she didn't believe you, or she forgot it--anyhow, she watched for you, and when you didn't come, her mind began suddenly to wander; she is in bed now--she is very, very ill." "Go on," said George; "hammer it in hard--I deserve it all." "Oh, George, why will you talk like that? Don't you believe in my love for you?" "I believe in mother's love. It's the only thing I have left to cling to. I believe she'd go on loving me even after this--I do truly." "Of course she would--nothing could turn her love from you. Now, won't you let us consult together when Mr. Lawson comes into the room?" "There's nothing to be done--nothing; I'm perfectly safe to be committed for trial, and then I shall get at least two years. Mother will die. And I shall have gone under forever." "Nonsense! I have a thought in my head." "You?" George spoke with almost contempt. "You always thought a great deal of yourself, Effie, but even you can't pull the ropes on the present occasion. I'm a thief, and I must suffer the penalty. That's the long and short of it." Effie rose suddenly and walked to the door. She called Lawson--he came in at once. "I think George will talk over matters now," she said. "But before we begin any discussion, I wish to say what I have made up my mind to do. I don't know Mr. Gering, but that does not matter. I mean to go to see him the first thing to-morrow morning, and beg of him not to prosecute George. That is the only chance for mother's life, and I mean to try it." CHAPTER XXII. When Effie said these words, Lawson gave her a startled glance, and George's sulkiness seemed to vanish magically. He opened his lips as if to speak, then closed them again; a rush of color spread over his face, and he turned his head aside. "I fear it is impossible that you can do the least vestige of good, Miss Staunton," said Lawson. "All the same it is a brave thought, and worthy of you." George looked round when Lawson said this; he fully expected Effie to explain herself more fully, to argue the point, and to give her reasons for approaching Mr. Gering. To the surprise of both the men, however, she was silent. After a little pause, she said, turning to Lawson: "Do you think George will be safe here until the morning?" "I do--perfectly safe," answered Lawson. "Then I will say good-night. I will come to you, George if I have news, in the morning."