"Oh, we must wait, they say. If it had been merely a few months, or even a year, I should not have thought anything of it: but this indefinite delay--to be as patient and dignified as you like, Anne, it is very disagreeable and painful." "I do not doubt it," said Anne. "And so, till some further evidence of Norman's innocence can be procured--further! I should say until they can get _any_ evidence--we must wait. James is to keep his eye on the district, he says, and lose no opportunity; that looks all very well, but if there _is_ no evidence to be got, Alice and I may wait till our lives are spent in vain. It's very hard, Anne; I do say so, however boyish you may think it." "I do not think _that_ boyish, Lewis," said Anne. "We must take measures more active than James's mere watching the district. Lewis, it is my turn to be called childish now. You must let me try--I must go to this place myself." Lewis opened his eyes in consternation: "_You_ try! _you_ go yourself! why, what on earth could _you_ do? Anne, you are mad!" "I am not mad, Lewis, in the least degree, and yet I _must_ go to this place myself; it is not in self-confidence. I have patience more than you, and time less occupied; I never expected that this work could be done easily or soon. Lewis, _I_ must go." They were entering the house as Anne spoke. Lewis did not answer her. He only shook his head impatiently. There was something humiliating in the very idea that she could accomplish a thing in which he had failed. He met his mother dutifully and with proper respect and kindness. Mrs. Aytoun's natural, unassuming dignity and entire sympathy with her children; the frank, affectionate, tender intercourse subsisting between them; the seemly regard for her opinion, which was no less apparent in her manly son, James, than in her gentle daughter, Alice, had charmed Lewis unconsciously. The absolute propriety and fitness of that natural honor and reverence made an involuntary impression upon him--an impression which now softened his voice and restrained his temper. With good training, and these righteous influences round him, Lewis was a hopeful subject yet. "So you have returned as you went away?" said Mrs. Ross, when they had been some little time together. "Yes," said Lewis, "I should say worse, for I had some hope then, and I have none now." "I thought it was all nonsense," said Mrs. Ross. "I knew you could make nothing of it." "You were wrong then, mother," said Lewis, quickly. "We have got no evidence--but I believe now, what I did not believe when we left Merkland, that Norman is innocent." Anne looked up joyfully. "Not that my believing it will do much good," said Lewis, "when such a thing as definite proof is not to be had; but that the man, these people spoke of as young Redheugh could do a deliberate and cowardly murder is nearly impossible." "I thank you, Lewis," exclaimed Anne. "I thank you for myself and for Norman!"