"And Sidney, sir!"
"As brave as ever. I wish he had been at home—he has been anxious to see you, Mattie."
"He is very kind," she said, in a low voice, adding, "and what does he think?"
Mr. Hinchford was not quick in catching a subject upon which Mattie had brooded now for some months.
"Think of what?"
"Of me! Mr. Wesden has—hasn't turned him against me, sir?"
"Oh! no. He sticks up for you like a champion!"
"I thought he would. He never spoke ill of any one in his life, and he always took the part of those who were unfortunate. I was sure he would not side against me!"
"Sit down, Mattie, sit down!"
"Thank you, no, sir! I shall never sit down in the house of any one who has heard ill news of me, until I can clear myself, or time clears me. I shall never go near Mr. Wesden's, although I feel for all the sorrow there."