"Yes, Walter, yes," said Ellinor, kindly disguising the real truth, how much her father's vigorous frame had been bowed by his state of mind. "And I, you see," added she, with a faint attempt to smile,--"I am, in health at least, the same as when, this time last year, we were all happy and full of hope." Walter looked hard upon that face, once so vivid with the rich colour and the buoyant and arch expression of liveliness and youth, now pale, subdued, and worn by the traces of constant tears; and, pressing his hand convulsively on his heart, turned away. "But can I not see my uncle?" said he, after a pause. "He is not at home: he has gone to the Castle," replied Ellinor. "I shall meet him, then, on his way home," returned Walter. "But, Ellinor, there is surely no truth in a vague rumour which I heard in the town, that Madeline intends to be present at the trial to-morrow." "Indeed, I fear that she will. Both my father and myself have sought strongly and urgently to dissuade her; but in vain. You know, with all that gentleness, how resolute she is when her mind is once determined on any object." "But if the verdict should be against the prisoner, in her state of health consider how terrible would be the shock!--Nay, even the joy of acquittal might be equally dangerous--for Heaven's sake! do not suffer her." "What is to be done, Walter?" said Ellinor, wringing her hands. "We cannot help it. My father has, at last, forbid me to contradict the wish. Contradiction, the physician himself says, might be as fatal as concession can be. And my father adds, in a stern, calm voice, which it breaks my heart to hear, 'Be still, Ellinor. If the innocent is to perish, the sooner she joins him the better: I would then have all my ties on the other side the grave!'" "How that strange man seems to have fascinated you all!" said Walter, bitterly. Ellinor did not answer: over her the fascination had never been to an equal degree with the rest of her family. "Ellinor!" said Walter, who had been walking for the last few moments to and fro with the rapid strides of a man debating with himself, and who now suddenly paused, and laid his hand on his cousin's arm--"Ellinor! I am resolved. I must, for the quiet of my soul, I must see Madeline this night, and win her forgiveness for all I have been made the unintentional agent of Providence to bring upon her. The peace of my future life may depend on this single interview. What if Aram be condemned--and--and--in short, it is no matter--I must see her." "She would not hear of it, I fear," said Ellinor, in alarm. "Indeed, you cannot--you do not know her state of mind." "Ellinor!" said Walter, doggedly, "I am resolved." And so saying, he moved towards the house. "Well, then," said Ellinor, whose nerves had been greatly shattered by the scenes and sorrow of the last several months, "if it must be so, wait at least till I have gone in, and consulted or prepared her."