“‘I am much obliged,’ replied Mr. Rockland, ‘to my honorable friend for his kind offer, but we would prefer to have a verdict from the jury.’
“‘Very well, then,’ replied Mr. Quillet, let Miss Bramlett accompany her friends home, and she can return in the morning to hear the verdict—I consent to any plan that will be agreeable to her and her friends.’
“As soon as Mrs. Ragland recovered from the swoon into which she had fallen, the judge ordered the sheriff to remove her to her home, at the same time instructing that officer to have the premises securely guarded until her condition should be such as to justify her imprisonment.
“‘Edward,’ said Lottie, as she smiled through her tears, ‘I want you to assist Viola into the carriage—and you had better escort her home; and when you have done so you will return here as speedily as possible, in order to help me get Harry home. Let mother understand that Harry is not severely hurt, and that there is no cause whatever for alarm; go now and attend to these things as quickly as you can.’
“After escorting Miss Bramlett home, I hurried back to help bring Harry. We had to carry him to the carriage, as he was not able to walk without assistance. His face was as white as it could have been if he had been dead.
“‘Are you suffering very much, brother Harry?’ Lottie inquired as she drew his head down so as to let it rest on her bosom.
“‘Oh, no, not at all.’
“‘I want you to tell me why you did not look at, or speak to, Viola this evening, when you came in the court-room; did you not notice how your conduct distressed her?’
“‘My dear sister, don’t you know that I could not look in that dear girl’s face, if death was to be the penalty of the refusal? You certainly must know how deep is the feeling of contempt that she has for me.’
“‘I am convinced that you have entirely misjudged Miss Bramlett’s feelings toward you, for I happen to know that she is anxious for a reconciliation; and she would not hesitate to make the first advances, if she were not afraid of being repulsed.’