"After such an avowal, it is useless my stopping here," said Mr Trevor; "I must make what defence I can, for your sister's sake." "Many, many thanks, sir, for your kindness; I am really grateful to you," replied Joey. Mr Trevor remained for a minute scanning the countenance or our hero. There was something in it so clear and bright, so unflinching, so proclaiming innocence, and high feeling, that he sighed deeply as he left the cell. His subsequent interview with Mary was short; he explained to her the difficulties arising from the obstinacy of her brother; but at the same time expressed his determination to do his best to save him. Mary, as soon as she had seen Mr Trevor, set off on her return to the Hall. As soon as she went to Mrs Austin, Mary apprised her of Mr Trevor's having consented to act as counsel for our hero, and also of Joey's resolute determination not to divulge the secret. "Madam," said Mary, after some hesitation, "it is my duty to have no secret from you: and I hope you will not be angry when I tell you that I have discovered that which you would have concealed." "What have you discovered, Mary?" asked Mrs Austin, looking at her with alarm. "That Joseph Rushbrook is your own son," said Mary, kneeling down and kissing the hand of her mistress. "The secret is safe with me, depend upon it," she continued. "And how have you made the discovery, Mary; for I will not attempt to deny it?" Mary then entered into a detail of her conversation with Mr Trevor. "He asked me," said she, "as the sister of Joey, if we had any relatives, and I replied, `No;' so that he has no suspicion of the fact. I beg your pardon, madam, but I could not keep it from Joey; I quite forgot my promise to you at the time." "And what did my poor child say?" "That he would not see you until after his trial; but, when his fate was decided, he should like to see you once more. Oh, madam, what a painful sacrifice! and yet, now, I do not blame him; for it is his duty." "My dread is not for my son, Mary; he is innocent; and that to me is everything; but if my husband was to hear of his being about to be tried, I know not what would be the consequence. If it can only be kept from his knowledge! God knows that he has suffered enough! But what am I saying? I was talking nonsense." "Oh, madam! I know the whole; I cannot be blinded either by Joey or you. I beg your pardon, madam; but although Joey would not reply, I told him that his father did the deed. But do not answer me, madam; be silent, as your son has been: and believe me when I say that my suspicion could not be wrenched from me even by torture." "I do trust you, Mary; and perhaps the knowledge that you have obtained is advantageous. When does the trial come on?" "The assizes commence to-morrow forenoon, madam, they say." "Oh! how I long to have him in these arms!" exclaimed Mrs Austin.