In great distress of mind, Mr. Berners followed the sheriff into the warden's office.
Old Mr. Martin, who was at his desk, came to meet the visitors.
"One moment, Martin. I will see you in one moment. Just now, I wish to speak to Mr. Berners," said the sheriff, as he drew Lyon Berners aside.
"What is it now?" inquired Sybil's husband, in an agony of alarm for her sake.
"Can you not surmise?" compassionately suggested the sheriff.
"I—Oh, great Heaven!—I dare not!" he exclaimed, throwing up his hands and clasping his head.
"You must know that the petition sent up to the Governor for her pardon has been returned with an adverse decision."
"I feared it! Oh, heaven!"
"Oh, try to be firm! I must now tell you the worst. The petition did not come down alone—" The speaker paused an instant, and then added gravely and compassionately:
"There was another document came down with it—a document that I must read to her."