'Jenny—all that we have is yours: all that we have and more ... more ... gratitude and love and devotion—which are more than gold.'
CHAPTER XXIV
COMMUTATION
At that very moment, while we were trying to find words befitting the occasion which would not admit of grief yet demanded the respect due to Death, arrived the news so long expected.
The Governor of the Prison, accompanied by our friend the Counsel for the Prosecution, stood at the door, followed by one of the Turnkeys.
'Madame,' said the Governor, 'I come to bring you news.' But he looked so serious that my heart sank.
'And I, Madame,' said the lawyer, 'shall be pleased to add a codicil to this intelligence.'
'Gentlemen, I have already this morning received news enough for one day at least. Am I, gentlemen, ordered to adorn the next procession along the Oxford Road?'
'No, Madame,' the Governor replied. 'But I wish the news were more joyful. I had hoped—I had expected—considering the whole case——'