Lyon Berners gravely bent his head.
The sheriff hesitated, as if uncertain how to proceed.
Mr. Berners came to his side and whispered:
"If you must read that document to her, be merciful and read it now, when her mind is dulled to its meaning."
The sheriff nodded, and then said:
"Mrs. Berners, I have something to read to you. Can you listen?"
"Yes. Is it interesting?" inquired Sybil, rousing herself.
Without answering that last question, the sheriff prepared to read the awful instrument of doom. Lyon Berners sat down on the side of the bed, and drew his wife's head upon his bosom.
Miss Pendleton sat pale and still as a statue.
The old warden stood with his eyes bent upon the floor.