'I went to the prison as soon as they were brought back from Court. Some of the people--for they were all condemned to death--every one--were crying and lamenting. And there were many women among them--their wives or their mothers--and these were shrieking and wringing their hands; so that it was a terrible spectacle. But some of the men called for drink, and began to carouse, so that they might drown the thought of impending death. My dear, I never thought to look upon a scene so full of horror. As for our own boys, Robin was patient and even cheerful; and Humphrey, leading us to the most quiet spot in that dreadful place, exhorted us to lose no time in weeping or vain laments, but to cheer and console our hearts with the thought that death--even violent death--is but a brief pang and life is but a short passage, and that heaven awaits us beyond. Humphrey should have been a godly minister, such is the natural piety and goodness of his heart. So he spoke of the happy meeting in that place of blessedness where earthly love would be purged of its grossness, and our souls shall be so glorified that we shall each admire the beauty and the excellence of the other. Then Robin talked of thee, my dear, and sent thee a loving message bidding thee grieve for him, but not without hope--and that a sure and certain hope--of meeting again. There are other things he bade me tell thee; but now I cannot!--oh, I must not!' 'Nay, Madam; but if they are words that he wished me to hear'---- 'Why, they were of his constant love--and--no, I cannot tell them!' 'Well,' I said, 'fret not thy poor heart with thinking any more of the prison; for Benjamin will surely save him, and then we shall love Benjamin all our lives.' 'He will, perhaps, save him. And yet'----she turned her head--'Oh, how can I tell _her_--we shall shed many more tears. How can I tell _her_? How can I tell _her_?' So she broke off again, but presently recovered and went on talking. In time of great trouble the mind wanders backwards and forwards, and though one talks still, it is disjointedly. So she went back to the prison.