But all this time there was one in that court who looked upon the new-comer with far different feelings that those which any other had. This was Sir Lionel Dudleigh. He had heard the remark of the counsel that Dudleigh had returned, and looked toward the door as he entered with a smile on his face. As he saw Dudleigh enter he started. Then his face turned ghastly white, and his jaw fell. He clutched the railing in front of him with both hands, and seemed fascinated by the sight. Near him stood Mrs. Dunbar, and Dalton leaned on her. Both of these looked fixedly at Sir Lionel, and noticed his emotion. At the sound of Dudleigh's voice Sir Lionel's emotion increased. He breathed heavily. His face turned purple. His knuckles turned white as he grasped the railing. Suddenly, in the midst of Dudleigh's remarks, he started to his feet, and seemed about to say something. Immediately in front of him were Dalton and Mrs. Dunbar. At that instant, as he rose, Mrs. Dunbar laid her hand on his arm. He looked at her with astonishment. He had not seen her before. She fixed her solemn eyes on him--those eyes to which had come a gloom more profound, and a sadness deeper than before. But Sir Lionel stared at her without recognition, and impatiently tried to shake off her hand. “Who are you?” he said, suddenly, in a trembling voice--for there was something in this woman's face that suggested startling thoughts. Mrs. Dunbar drew nearer to him, and in a whisper that thrilled through every fibre of Sir Lionel's frame, hissed in his ear, “_I am your wife--and here is my brother Frederick!_” Over Sir Lionel's face there came a flash of horror, sudden, sharp, and overwhelming. He staggered and shrank back. “Claudine!” he murmured, in a stifled voice. “Sit down,” whispered Lady Dudleigh--now no longer Mrs. Dunbar--“sit down, or you shall have to change places with Frederick's daughter.” Sir Lionel swayed backward and forward, and appeared not to hear her. And now his eyes wandered to Dalton, who stood gazing solemnly at him, and then to Dudleigh, who was still speaking. “Who is that?” he gasped. “Your son!” said Lady Dudleigh. [Illustration: “HE LOOKED AT HER WITH ASTONISHMENT.”] At this instant Dudleigh finished. Sir Lionel gave a terrible groan, and flung up his arms wildly. The next instant he fell heavily forward, and was caught in the arms of his wife. A crowd flew to his assistance, and he was carried out of court, followed by Lady Dudleigh. There was a murmur of universal sympathy. “Poor Sir Lionel! He has been heartbroken, and the joy of his son's safety is too much.” After this the proceedings soon came to an end. Edith was free! Dalton tried to get to her, but in his weakness sank upon a seat, and looked imploringly at his daughter. Seeing this, Dudleigh sprang to his assistance, and gave his arm. Leaning heavily upon this, Dalton walked toward Edith, who was already striving to reach him, and, with a low cry, caught her in his arms.