“To-night—this is sudden! and she desires it? She deems the trial that has taken place sufficient for her emancipation from the hateful bonds that made her mine. You are certain of this?”
“Most certain.”
“And the means of escape?”
“Leave that to us. The time, midnight; be ready. That is all we desire of you.”
“I will be ready,” said the young man, falling into the chair which Ross had just left, and overcome with a sudden sense of freedom—freedom given by the woman whom he had so deeply wronged. His nerves, hitherto so firm, began to tremble, and covering his face with both hands, he burst into tears. When he looked up the two strangers had left the cell.
The next morning, when Ross entered his counting-room, he found the turnkey talking with his partner. Just then Mr. Clark entered also, but with a harassed and anxious expression of countenance.
“My friend,” said Ross, advancing toward him, “you have come at the right moment to hear this man’s news from his own lips. I fear it will give you pain. No, I had better tell it myself; he is a stranger, and knows nothing of your interest in the mother. Step this way, sir.”
“What is this? For what would you prepare me? Zulima—”
“Is well, and becoming reconciled to her loss; but De Grainges—”
“What of him, sir? what of that unhappy man?” inquired Mr. Clark, sternly.