"I can forgive _you_; but I never should forgive myself, if I did not go directly and judge from my own sight if it be really so. I have long made up my mind to hear unpleasant tidings; but I have never been without hope that something would alter him." "I fear that he was too desperate ever to reform." "I did not think he could reform himself. I lived in hopes that some severe blow might bring him to his senses; but I must go and see. In the meantime let me request you not to mention those matters to me again; at least, let me have time to think of the past and consider of the future." "You will pardon me, Margaret, and attribute to my regard for you the precipitate step I have taken upon this occasion." "Where lies the body of poor Laud?" said Margaret, without seeming to hear what Barry had last said. "It is in the boat-house at Bawdsey Ferry, together with the three others." "I will go there to-day." And she immediately prepared to fulfil her resolution. "How will you go? Will you let me drive you there? I can obtain a horse and cart; and I think you know me well enough to be persuaded of my care." "I do not doubt it, sir, but I had rather not go with you. I have no objection to be your debtor for the horse and cart, but my youngest brother will drive me." "It shall be here in half an hour. May I offer you any other aid?" "None, sir, whatever. You have my thanks; and I so far consider your honesty and truth deserves my esteem, that, by to-morrow at this time, if you will pay us another visit, I shall be glad to see you." "It is all that I could wish or hope. Till then, Margaret, good-bye." Young Barry left with a heart somewhat easier, though touched with pain for the poor girl. He had, however, seen the only being who stood between him and his affections laid a helpless corpse upon the boat. Hope took the place of despair--he soon obtained the horse and cart, and sent them to their destination. Barry's anxiety was greatly increased as the day wore away, and a night of feverish suspense succeeded. Sleep was quite out of the question--every hour he heard the clock strike in the room beneath him. He saw the grey dawn approach, and beheld the gradually increasing light clearer and clearer shining, and throughout the whole livelong night he dwelt but upon one theme--that theme was Margaret!