Should Mr. Worth fail in obtaining a full pardon, but succeed in gaining a respite, Sybil would be permitted to live, if she could, long enough to bring forth her child, and then her own forfeited life must be yielded up.
But should her advocate fail also to obtain the respite, Sybil had just one week to live; for on the seventh day from this, she was ordered for death!
And she, shielded by a mild and merciful insanity, was so peacefully unconscious of impending doom!
But to-day he knew that he must hear the best or the worst that could befall her; for to-day the Richmond coach would arrive, and would bring her zealous advocate, Ishmael Worth.
And even while he sat thus gazing with his grief-dimmed eyes upon his fated young wife, the sound of approaching footsteps was heard; the cell door was unlocked, and the warden presented himself, saying in a low tone:
"Mr. Worth has just arrived, and wishes to see you down stairs in my office, sir."
Before the warden had finished his sentence, Lyon Berners had started up and sprung past him.
He hurried down the stairs, threw open the door of the warden's office and confronted Ishmael Worth, who, pale, weary, travel-stained, and troubled, stood before him.
"For Heaven's sake!" cried Sybil's husband, breathlessly—"speak! what news? Is it to be death,—or—LIFE!"