THE VERDICT AND THE VISITOR.
|
Can such things be, And overcome us like a summer cloud Without our special wonder?—Shakespeare. |
“Pendleton! oh! Heaven, Pendleton! What news?” exclaimed Lyon Berners, starting up to greet him.
“Good heaven! Berners! How is this? Another—a servant taken into your confidence, and trusted with the secret of your retreat!” cried Captain Pendleton in dismay.
“He is trustworthy! I will vouch for his fidelity! But oh! Pendleton! What news? what news?” exclaimed Lyon Berners in an agony of impatience.
“The worst that you can anticipate!” cried Captain Pendleton in a voice full of sorrow.
“Oh! my unhappy wife! The coroner’s jury have found their verdict then?” groaned Lyon.
Captain Pendleton bowed his head. He was unable to reply in words.
“And that verdict is—Oh! speak I let me hear the worst!—that verdict is—”
“Wilful Murder!” muttered Pendleton in a hoarse and choking voice.