Hugh Ritson's face whitened, and a cold smile passed over it.
"Your time is near," he muttered, and he turned on his heel.
As he stepped out of the noisesome chamber, a loud, hoarse laugh followed him. He drew a long breath.
"Thank God it will soon be over!" he said.
Bonnithorne was at his side.
"Is it to be to-morrow?" asked the lawyer.
"To-morrow," said Hugh Ritson.
"Have you told him?"
"Tell him yourself, Bonnithorne. I can bear with the man no longer. I shall be doing something that I may repent."
"Have you apprised Parson Christian?"