“For a second or two the Earl seemed really astounded; and well he might, for his youthful daughter had suddenly spoken to him with a precision and distinctness of language, an energy of manner, and an expression of eye, such as the Earl had not dreamed of her being able to exhibit, and told of the strength of purpose with which she had come to him. “‘And you both believe that he is innocent!’ said he, echoing her words, too much amazed to utter another word. “‘Yes, we do! we do! in our hearts. My sister and I have prayed to God many times for His mercy; and she desires me to tell you that she has forgiven this man Ayliffe, even though he did this dreadful deed, and so have I; wife and sister of the dear one dead, we both forgive, even though the poor wretch be guilty; but we believe him innocent, and if he be, oh, Heaven forbid that on Monday he should die!’ “‘Emily,’ said the Earl, who had waited with forced composure till his daughter had ceased, ‘do you not think that your proper place is in your own apartment, or with your suffering sister-in-law?’ “‘Why should you thus treat me as a child, papa?’ inquired Lady Emily, scarcely able to restrain her tears. “‘Why should I not?’ asked her father calmly. “Lady Emily looked to the ground for some moments in silence. “‘Does it not occur to you as possible that you are meddling? meddling with matters beyond your province? Is it fitting, _girl_,’ he continued, unable to resist an instantaneous but most bitter emphasis on the word, ‘that you should be HERE, talking to me at all, for one moment even, on a matter which I have never thought of naming to you—a child?’ “‘I am a child, papa but I am _your_ child, and your only one and love you more than all the whole world.’ “‘Obey me, then, as a proof of that love: retire to your chamber, and there wonder at what you have ventured—presumed this morning to do.’ “Lady Emily felt the glance of his eye upon her, as though it had lightened; but she quailed not. “‘My dear, my only parent, I implore you send me not away; let me—’ “‘Emily, I cannot be disobeyed; I am not in the habit of being disobeyed by any one; it is very sad that I should see the attempt first made by a child.’ “‘Oh papa! forgive me! forgive me!’ She arose, and, approaching him hastily, as she observed him about to advance, sunk on one knee before him, clasping her hands together. ‘Oh, hear me for but a moment. Never knelt I before but to God, yet kneel I now to my father. Oh, have mercy! nay, be JUST!’