“I wish to make this matter as little painful to this lady as the circumstances will permit. So I shall take her for the present to a hotel, where she must of course be carefully guarded. To-night we shall start by the night coach for Staunton, en route for Blackville,” answered the elder officer, as with Sybil on his arm he led the way into the town. Mr. Berners walked on the other side of his wife, and the second officer followed close behind.
“We thank you for your consideration, Mr.—Mr.—” began Lyon.
“Purley,” continued the elder officer. “My name is Purley.”
“I do not remember you among the officers of the Sheriff’s staff, however.”
“No; I am a new appointment. I must tell you, sir, that so strong was the feeling of sympathy for this lady, that not one of the bailiffs could be induced to serve the warrant; they resigned one after another.”
“They all knew Sybil from her childhood up. I thank them, and will take care that they shall lose nothing in resigning their positions for her sake,” said Lyon Berners with much warmth, while Sybil’s heavy heart swelled with gratitude.
“And to tell the whole truth, had I known this lady, I should have felt the same reluctance to serving this warrant that was experienced by my predecessors in office.”
“I can well believe you,” answered Mr. Berners, gravely.
“Now, however, having undertaken the painful duty, I must discharge it faithfully,” added the officer.
“Yes, Mr. Purley, but gently and considerately, I know. You will inflict as little of unmerited mortification as may be consistent with your duty.”