EARLE WAYNE’S NOBILITY _By_ MRS. GEORGIE SHELDON AUTHOR OF “Brownie’s Triumph,” “Virgie’s Inheritance,” “Nora,” “Trixy,” “Stella Rosevelt,” “Wedded by Fate,” Etc. [Illustration: logo] A. L. BURT COMPANY PUBLISHERS NEW YORK Copyright 1880, 1881, 1882, 1903 By STREET & SMITH Renewal Granted to Mrs. Georgie Sheldon Downs 1908 EARLE WAYNE’S NOBILITY EARLE WAYNE’S NOBILITY CHAPTER I SENTENCE OF THE COURT “Guilty!” The deep, sonorous voice of the foreman of the jury sounded out upon the solemn stillness of the crowded court-room like the knell of doom. And doom it was, and to one who never consciously committed a mean act in all his life. The effect which that one word produced was marked. There was a rustle of excitement and disapproval among the crowd, while deep-drawn sighs and expressions of sorrow showed that sympathy was strong for the prisoner at the bar, who for the last hour, while the jury was absent to decide upon the verdict, had sat with bent head and listless attitude, as if wearied out with the bitter trial to which he had been subjected. Now, however, as he had been commanded “to look upon the jury,” his head was proudly lifted, revealing an exceedingly intelligent and handsome face, and a pair of fine dark eyes met those of the foreman unflinchingly while the least smile of scorn and bitterness disturbed the firm, strong mouth, showing that he had believed he had not much to hope for from him. As the word was spoken which sealed his fate, a gray pallor settled over his face, and he dropped into his former attitude; otherwise he betrayed no sign of emotion. Then something occurred which very seldom occurs in a crowded court-room. A low cry of pain not far from the prisoner made every eye turn that way, and made him shiver as with a sudden chill. A tender, sorrowful gleam crept into his dark eyes, the proud lips unbent and trembled slightly, and a heavy sigh heaved his broad chest. The next moment a slender, girlish form started up from her seat, and a fair, flushed face was turned with eloquent pleading toward the grave judge, sitting like a statue in his chair of state, while an earnest, quivering voice rang out: “Oh, sir, he is _not guilty_—I know that Earle Wayne _never was_ guilty of such a deed.”