“A low taper burned on a little table behind a screen. And all the room was obscure and silent as a cave.
“Lil slept on quietly, and Joseph was almost tempted to hope that Lil might wake only in that happier world where ‘there shall be no more death, neither crying nor sorrow.’
“Joseph Wyvil was a faithful Christian man, and found his greatest support during this long miserable night watch in praying for Lil and for Joe.
“The late winter morning had dawned when Lil awoke.
“She awoke very quietly, and although she opened her eyes, looked about, saw her brother seated by her bed, and evidently by the change that passed over her face, remembered all that had happened since yesterday, yet there was no outburst of grief. The effect of the narcotic yet remained in the blunted sensibilities. But though her feelings were dulled, her intellect was clear enough; and although there was no outbreak of sorrow, yet the look of deep despair that settled on her face showed how profoundly she realized the situation.
“‘Lil! Lil, my darling sister,’ muttered Joseph Wyvil, bending over her.
“‘Let me go to him, Joseph! Oh, please let me go to him. I will behave myself. Indeed I will behave myself, Joseph,’ she pleaded.
“‘Yes, dear, you shall go just as soon as the doors are opened to admit visitors.’
“She put out her hand and pressed his.
“‘But, darling Lil, you need not give up hope. All is not lost yet, Lil! I mean to get up a strong petition in his behalf. He is so young. There are so many circumstances in his favor. Lil, I am nearly certain we can get his sentence commuted to transportation for life. And then we also will go out to Australia, to be near him. And if he conducts himself well, as he will be sure to do, having so much at stake, he will get a ticket-of-leave. And after a few weeks, Lil, we’ll not be any worse off than if we had emigrated, you know. Are you listening, Lil?’