The three gentlemen were in the library earnestly discussing the state of affairs, when Elsie, coming down from seeing her little ones settled for the night, heard the sound of wheels in the avenue, and stepping to the door saw the Ashlands carriage just drawing up in front of it. The vehicle had scarcely come to a standstill ere its door was thrown hastily open and the elder Mrs. Carrington alighted. Elsie sprang to meet her with outstretched arms, and the exclamation, "My dear old friend!" though her heart beat quickly, her cheek crimsoned, and tears filled her eyes. The old lady, speechless with grief, fell upon her neck and wept there silently for a moment; then low and gaspingly, in a voice broken with sobs, "I--have--come to--ask about--George," she said, "can it, oh can it be that he has done this dreadful thing?" and shuddering she hid her face on Elsie's shoulder her slight frame shaken with the sobs she vainly strove to suppress. "Dear Mrs. Carrington, I am so sorry, so _very_ sorry to think it," Elsie said, in a voice full of tears, "my heart aches for you who love him so; you who have been so sorely afflicted: may the Lord give you strength to bear up under this new trial." "He will! he does! My sister's son! oh tis sad, 'tis heart-breaking! But the proofs: what are they?" Elsie named them; first drawing her friend to a seat where she supported her with her arm. "Yes, yes, his voice, his gait are both peculiar, and--his hand. Let me see that--that garment." Leading her into a private room, and seating her comfortably there Elsie had it brought and laid before her. Mrs. Carrington gave it one glance, and motioning it away with a look and gesture of horror, dropped her face into her hands and groaned aloud. Elsie kneeling by her side, clasped her arms about her and wept with her. "A slayer of the weak and helpless--a murderer--a midnight assassin!" groaned the half distracted aunt. "May there not possibly be some mistake. Let us give him the benefit of the doubt," whispered Elsie. "Alas there seems scarcely room for doubt!" sighed Mrs. Carrington, then, with a determined effort to recover her composure, "But don't think, dear Elsie, that I blame you or your husband. Can I see him? and your father if he is here?" "Yes, they are both here and will rejoice if they can be of any comfort or service to you. Ah, I hear papa's voice in the hall, asking for me!" and stepping to the door, she called to him and her husband, "Please come in here," she said, "Mrs. Carrington wishes to see you both." "You here and alone at this late hour, my dear madam!" Mr. Dinsmore exclaimed, taking the old lady's hand in a cordial grasp, "your courage surprises me." "Ah, my good friend, they who have little to lose, need not have much to do with fear," she answered. "That was what I told Sophie who would have had me defer my call till to-morrow."