"He is in prison, madam." "In prison for debt, I suppose?" "No, madam; on a charge of murder, which he is not guilty of." "Murder!" exclaimed Mrs Austin, "and not guilty! Why--when--and where did this murder take place?" "Many years ago, madam, when he was quite a child." "How very strange!" thought Mrs Austin, panting, for breath, and dropping into a chair. "But where, Mary?" "Down in Devonshire, madam, at Grassford." Mrs Austin fell senseless from her chair. Mary, very much surprised, hastened to her assistance, and, after a time succeeded in restoring her, and leading her to the sofa. For some time Mrs Austin remained with her face buried in the cushions, while Mary stood over her. At last Mrs Austin looked up, and laying her head upon Mary's arm, said in a solemn tone-- "Mary, do not deceive me; you say that that boy is _your_ brother--tell me, is not that false? I am sure that it is. Answer me, Mary." "He is not my born brother, madam, but I love him as one," replied Mary. "Again answer me truly, Mary, if you have any regard for me. You know his real name; what is it?" "Joseph Rushbrook, madam," replied Mary, weeping. "I was certain of it!" replied Mrs Austin, bursting into tears; "I knew it! The blow has come at last! God have mercy on me! What can be done?" And again Mrs Austin abandoned herself to bitter grief. Mary was in amazement: how Mrs Austin should know any thing of Joey's history, and why she should be in such distress, was to her a complete mystery: she remained for some time at the side of her mistress, who gradually became more composed. Mary at last said,--"May I go to him, madam?" "Yes," replied Mrs Austin, "most certainly. Mary, I must have no secrets now; you must tell me everything. You see that I am deeply interested about this young man as well as yourself: it is quite sufficient for you at present to know that; before I say anything more, you must be candid with me, and tell me how you became acquainted with him, and all that you know relative to his life; that I will assist you and him in every way in my power; that neither money nor interest shall be spared, you may be assured; and I think, Mary, that, after this promise, you will not conceal anything from me." "Indeed I will not, madam," replied Mary, "for I love him as much as I can love." Mary then commenced by stating that she was living at Gravesend when she first met with Joey. There was a little hesitation at the commencement of her narrative, which Mrs Austin pretended not to observe; she then continued, winding up with the information which she had obtained from Furness, the marine, their escape, and her admission into Mrs Austin's family. "And it was Joseph Rushbrook that came with you to this house?"