These were the words that first met her eye, and she felt them as a message to her own soul. She read no further just then, but softly dropping the book upon her lap, she fell into deep meditation upon the word. Yes! amid all the storm and terror of her position, the question presented to her soul was the old, old question of simply doing right or doing wrong. And her Judge, above all judges was—God! Might he strengthen her to do her awful duty! While Lady Montressor meditated, read, and prayed in her chamber, the news that she had sought sanctuary with the Rector of Bloomingdale spread swiftly through the neighborhood. And many were the friends and acquaintance of the Rector’s family, who _happened_ to drop in during the course of that day. Some few among them were personally known to Estelle, and these ventured to inquire for her; but Mrs. Oldfield, after sending a message to her guest, and receiving an answer, replied stiffly that Lady Montressor preferred to keep her chamber, and declined visitors. And so day after day passed, during which Estelle secluded herself, or only appeared when summoned to join the family at meal times. Lord Montressor, busy in her cause, forbore to visit or even to correspond with his hapless bride. Lord Dazzleright devoted the whole of his valuable time and great legal ability to her case, and spoke confidently of a fortunate issue. Once during the week he called upon his client, and was the first and only visitor that Lady Montressor, during her self-sequestration, received. He came to gather from her minute and detailed particulars of her school life, and _quasi_ marriage, and having possessed himself of all, and taken notes, he said: “There can be no doubt as to the result of this trial. It will be not only an acquittal, but a full and complete vindication. Therefore, permit me to say, Lady Montressor, that you do wrong to withdraw yourself from your husband’s protection. Your course argues, on your part, a doubt of your true position, which may injure your case, when it comes before the Assizes.” “My lord, there is a higher tribunal, at which, some day, I shall have to appear, and I must act in view of that,” replied the lady, in a deep, liquid, melodious voice, that seemed to flow and ripple over the fragments of a broken heart. Lord Dazzleright looked suddenly into her face, and through its dark and lovely features recognized the spirit that could “suffer and be strong”—the spirit patient and firm as sad. He sighed, and pressed her hand as he took his leave. The next day Estelle learned, through Susan Copsewood, who had obtained the news from authentic sources, that her parents had gone to Southampton, whence they would sail in a few days for Italy. “Another blow! I accept it! Oh, God, I accept it! Only make me patient to suffer, and strong to act!” was the prayer that went up from her crushed heart, upon hearing of this desertion.