“But who are those friends that have sent me this assistance?”
“I must not tell more than I have already told—that they are those who have a deep interest in the acquittal of the innocent and the crimination of the guilty.”
“But what sort of an interest?”
“I may not tell you more than that it is of so selfish a nature as to justify you in accepting all the assistance they can render you for their own sakes without feeling under any obligation to them whatever.”
“That will be difficult—indeed, impossible; for I must feel very, very grateful to these unknown benefactors,” said Eudora, no longer refusing the gift, but accepting it with mixed feelings of gratitude and humiliation.
Alma would have remained longer, but the footsteps of several persons were heard approaching, and the door was unlocked, and Mr. Montrose, accompanied by a strange gentleman, was ushered in by the gaoler.
Alma hastily kissed Eudora, bade her be of good cheer, dropped her thick veil over her face, and hurried from the cell, to return home, and keep her dangerous appointment with her father.
“Miss Leaton, I have brought down Mr. Fenton, who is here to consult with us upon your case,” said Mr. Montrose, presenting the lawyer.
The lawyer bowed, and the lady courtesied, just as if the introduction had taken place in the drawing-room.
Eudora took her seat upon the side of the cot, and offered the stranger the only chair, which he took. Malcolm Montrose seated himself upon the little table, and the consultation began.