"We are all sinful creatures, Mary," replied Mrs Austin; "and who is there that has not fallen into error? The Scriptures say, `Let him who is without sin cast the first stone;' nay more, Mary, `There is more joy over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine who need no repentance.' Shall I then be harsh to you, my poor girl? No, no. By trusting me you have made me your friend; you must be mine, Mary, for I want a friend now." Poor Mary fell on her knees before Mrs Austin, and wept over her hand as she kissed it repeatedly. Mrs Austin was much affected, and as the contrite girl recovered herself, Mrs Austin leaned on her elbow, and putting her arm round Mary's neck, drew her head towards her, and gently kissed her on the brow. "You are, indeed, a kind friend, madam," said Mary, after a pause, "and may the Almighty reward you! You are unhappy; I know not why, but I would die to serve you. I only wish that you would let me prove it." "First, Mary, tell me as much of your own history as you choose to tell; I wish to know it." Mary then entered into the details of her marriage, her husband's conduct, her subsequent career, and her determination to lead a new life, which she had so sincerely proved by her late conduct. Mary having concluded her narrative, Mrs Austin addressed her thus:-- "Mary, if you imagine that you have fallen in my good opinion, after what you have confessed to me, you are much mistaken; you have, on the contrary, been raised. There have been few, very few, that have had the courage and fortitude that you have shown, or who could have succeeded as you have done. I was afraid to trust you before, but now I am not. I will not ask you not to betray me, for I am sure you will not. On two points only my lips are sealed; and the reason why they are sealed is that the secret is not mine alone, and I have not permission to divulge it. That I am deeply interested in that boy is certain; nay, that he is a near and very dear connection is also the case; but what his exact relationship is towards me I must not at present say. You have asserted your belief of his innocence, and I tell you that you are right; he did not do the deed; I know who did, but I dare not reveal the name." "That is exactly what Joey said to me, madam," observed Mary, "and, moreover, that he never would reveal it, even if he were on his trial." "I do not think that he ever will, Mary," rejoined Mrs Austin, bursting into tears. "Poor boy! it is horrible that he should suffer for an offence that he has not committed." "Surely, madam, if he is found guilty they will not hang him, he was such a child." "I scarcely know." "It's very odd that his father and mother have disappeared in the manner they did; I think it is very suspicious," observed Mary.