The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

The room “(as a private parlor. [ur- nished something like a lawyer‘s office. In an ample cushioned chair. beside a large desk laden with books and paper» sat o. venerable old gentleman ul :1 portly form, fine features, fresh com. plexion, and long silvery white hair. He was dressed in jet Lluck cloth and snow-white linen. His whole appear- ance expressed great power, bene- volence and equanimity. This was Judge Joseph Ruthvem the learned jurist and eminent philanthro- Pist. who had succeeded the lately de- ceased judge on the. bench of the crim- inal court. He arose, with a suaye courtesy, to receive his izu As the waiter withdrew the door. Sybit'approuclm and lifted her veil. “Sybil, my child! Mrs. said, suppressing, with sen-contra}. the exclamul ishmem that arose to his “Sybil. my child! Mrs. Berners!" he said, suppressing, with his habitual self-control. the exclmnulions oi aston- ishment that arose to his lips. ./ He had been the lifelong intimate friend of her father. He had known her from her birth, and in her childhood ho had held her on his knee a hundred times. It was horrible to see her there before him, and to foresee what must follow. Who can blame him, it at that moment. he wished her thousands of miles away from him. with an ocean rolling between them? “I have :come, your honor. to give myself up to justice, trusting that jus- tice indeed may be meted out to me," said Sybil. as she sank trembling inln the chair Unit. he placed for her. He was scarcely less agitated than herself. “I am guiltlcss of the crime with which I stand charged; and I can no longer bear the hiding and hunted life of a criminal! I now freely offer my- self for trial, come what will of it! It is betler to die a guiltless death than to live annullde lite!" Sybil repeat- ved, her flesh trembling, but. her spirit firm. “ “My poor child! my poor'child 1" These words almost unconsciously escaped the lips of the judge, as he laid his hand upon her head. “You are sorry for me.” said Sybil. “From the bottom of my heart." “And you believe me guillless? Oh, if you can say that. you will give me so much strength and comfort." she pleaded. How could he answer her? What could he say to her? He would have given much to be able l0 reply that. he fully believed her lo be guilt- less. unv- But, though he hadimown her inti- mately, from her infancy up. and saw her standing there looking him frankly and honestly in the face and declaring her innocence, and challenging a trial, and pleading for his trust in her, he could not i i whel.hei~ she. were guilty or innocen . “It is a painful office, 1 know, Rulhven," said Sybil. her eyes and her lip quivering. “a painful to consign your old friend‘s chil prison, and a. more trying duL follow; but there is no help for know." A. “My poor child! my poor‘chil ‘ Still the judge did not speak. but gazed on hexj \vi}h H)fi11i[e_coxxwl)assioqx. be my judge ant and so it would give an opinion sad smile. as. w to this conclusim The judge com “allhou; lino hzi cruel ‘x d01l~ I not one di rec “But, Judge' Rullwcn. may not be able to expl as to my innocence or g fleshyr wish that you In that you may believe me soâ€"pleasc look into my The old man. who ln shunnng her glance. 1‘ hand and met the honest will “Oh ! I 1. reply to her trust in Heaven be well !" uL. Judge' Rull suppos‘ nclusion. , [I8 commili CHAPTER XI. :e‘ Rulhvcn. 1ble to expl‘ womanlik not ; presi never OR, SYBIL BERNER’S VlNDlCATlON my chi ha 11‘ "d l 10 [or you to Sybil. with a 1. she jumped )F 11 11' you are [U at my trial. and stately y \‘isilol'. and closed [he judge, LOW, Judge :yes filling nful office, child to a duty may for it, you ut 1n nl by no said : that all gh you opinion Hither ‘d his )1] 311 m deed to avert the that might befall‘ ven. if in my rage if I had been bad deed. I should hav to uvow it! I have never st: hands \Vilh blood. and nave] my lips will; falsehood. and. 1 I tell you that I an) guiltloss death of Rosa Biondelle. Jud ven. I call upon you to beliew Her eyes were fixed on Ins. am through them poured her spirit" strength and purity and truth. inspir ing his soul with full faith in her. mfiéiérdsrorfrorh his seat. his fine old face tremulous, yet. beaming wtih emo- lion. “Give me your hands. my child! I do believe youâ€"I believe you I" he fer- venlly exclaimed, taking and preSsing her hands. “'l‘hc‘mlc Heaven! Now I can bear lhc rest!" earnestly answered Sybil, bend- ing her head. “And now. Judge Rulh- ven! do your duty! The quicker it is “Thank Heaven! Now I can bear the rest l" earnestly answered Sybil, hehd- ing her head. “And now. Judge Ruth- ven! do your duty! The quicker it is done and over, the better [or us both!" “Patience. patience, my child! 1 have now to return at once into the court to preside at a trial now in progress. In the meanwhile do you remain here. The necessary forms shall be gone through. I will send you counsel. You must be committed for trial; but you will immediately apply through your counsel to be admitted to bail. Remain here until you hear from me. All will be right for the present, and lleaven grant that all may be well in the end!" “Admitted to bail l. Not have to go to prison! Oh. thank you! thank you! cases like mine were not bailable." “That is somewhat at the discretion of the court. The fact that you have voluntarily come forward to give your- self up to trial pleads loudly in your favor." “And I may go home! Go home perhaps even toâ€"night. Oh, home! home! hemp! Oh, how blessed to be able to go home! Oh. thank you': thank you! thank you I” cried Sybil, bursting into tears of joy. “Dear Raphael! did you hear that? I am to go home and rest in peace unâ€" til my trial comes on! Oh. Raphael, what. joy! And. dear boy. take notice! I did well to come here and give my- self up! and this blessed prospect of going home is the fruits of that well- doing! Mind. Raphael, always be sure to do well, and you will also be sure to fare well!" she concluded. mindful to give her young companion a lesson in mortality. “Oh. madam! I am so glad of this, “Compose yourself, my child. It. is very possible that you may sleep at home to-night. and many nights. But there are certain legal forms that must be observed. I will see that they are properly attended to. and with as little distress to you as may be consistent with their due observance. The case that is now going on will close this afternoon. I think. But I will keep the court open to as late an I r: :r as possi- ble, to wait for the appli. mmn of your counsel for bail. Remain Leta in peace until I send for you," 9 id the judge. kindly, pressing the hand of Sybil as he withdrew. As soon as Judge Ruthven had left the room. Sybil turned triumphantly toward her young escorta. who, since his entrance. had remained modestly standing near the door, and she said: lain pt boy. your c be m troublc forget mat satisfaction I could not for your sake “Thank you A robbers‘ den! No, never go back to the the village I may get rand-boy, or on some a laborer; but even if I should perish, l wi to the band!” shall even my m y 111 u of accepting in simplicin of heart all ll-Ial I and all that my noble hus- band will dolor you. For Mr. Berners 111 )u home 1nd; But the “ ‘Home xomo 1" robbers JO Sm fiuap mo .IOlI ‘anB Dh. madam! I am so glad of this, your sake!“ said the boy, earnestly. l‘hank you, Raphael! And I do not zet 111211. I owe very much of this sfaction to you. But for your help, mld not have escaped [mm the band, found my way through the moun- ‘l'ill \VI mnpamons diced, auc )ll sh q fiuep 0| pedomsyJ m ‘anfium am“ pm lvert the worst con: )ther 1 have been long away lpfmions. Your absence ed, and may bring you So with my best thanks. 11 bid you good-bye, and 3," said Sybil, holding 01 )ll 111 A h 0 your “fish t ll )ll so. my boy ) home with hand and my how do 3 shall be fine Sybil some plm rais‘ I‘O_\' will never A'orst consequences And. Judge Ruth- had slain my rival, nougll to do that been brave enough ‘ never stained my talc 1] r? Then you me, and be my husbandâ€"Ah ! ou fare now?â€" your guardian, good school of m may be cul- ameslly, again it lo hi But aincd my 1‘ sullied so. when of the 5 1110 l" his, and Spirit's lady M'ZU‘I as“); C band, moun- Jw. my y from :0 may ml 11 Ruth into dour send m 3 W [I] will also be very quick lo recognize and prompt to reward your services to me.” 7 Poor Sybil'! in the generous exulta- tion of her soul, she almost lost sight of the- sorrows and dangers that, still encompassed and threatened her. She, in hex- foungl matronly pride and digmity. feeling ever ,«sa much older took upon herself to gm good counsel as to his com lite, and was still engaged when two gentlemen open and entered the room. The old acquaintances of MI The first was a Mr. E elderly man, and a wealth the neighborhood. now office of high sheriff of the other was a Mr. Sheridan young barrister, often aw Mr. Berners in the same in these gentlemen had be quests at; Black Hall. both Mr. Forlescue to< bowed to his som( said : am : sumo your pain ‘ “I comprehend answered Sybil. “And you will me to the magislx ' “Yes. I am rem Sybil‘ rising “And here himself as y procure bet! presenting t' am sur‘ tain Mr offering “It is mum: to m; Sheri client nor but $91, was who had pened to worshipeg solalcly “Slay phael." s! and then They to dello, and the jealous and who had afierwnrd the scene of the tragedy the victim. and arrived the fatal charge of the as well as L: behold he: Speech. . He l‘i‘SpCCUUH) tool: her hand, re- placed her in her seat, and then, sland- ing up. he said: “My client has given a true explana- lign 0f the facts that have led so many persons to a false conchiSion. But all further defense, we reserve for a higher tribunal.” And having: said lhis. he sat down. This examinalion occupiod about an hour. At its clqse the magistrate turned to the accust lady. and inquired what she had to say in defense. Sybil arose. and answered by giving the explanation that she had already made. on the night of l.he:mu1-der. The magistrate heard her thl' but then instructed her that her u ported assertion was no evidence would not be received as such. called upon her to produce her Sybil was about to answer that she had no \vilnesses to produce, when a look from her counsel arrested her And having said this. he : He knew that no amount ( would now save Sybil from h mitted for trial, and his 0 therefore to shorten this 0rd< .'l‘he magistrate then din clerk to make out the mittimt the instrument was ready, it, and looked around for so to execute it. “I will take charge of [hi and the lady,” said the hig interposing. “You. Mr. Fortescue!" excl magistrate. in surprise at th cension of the high sheriff. you, being a well aware. I‘ soner is armst capital crime ( “I believe speak of an 9: 1195805 l he consc gave hers trial 1 It in (I) H Mn makc But, Mr otter hi Not a b \VISEI shall not is not 8. p1 this one 1.1 ,I will only “1011. and lll' [N it‘l‘ sul‘ )Tl [alh Berners. it I have serve this warrant ‘0. understand [ha an unpleasant dul drew mng S about to f‘ d gont‘ before 0 think 0[ h( 0;. who was ear the jud; here until I she said, with It is not 1i Mr. Foriescuel'f exclaimed the te. in surprise at the condes- oi the high sheriff. I." coolly answered the latter. .Ir. Magistrate, we are prepared hail.” put in Syl‘yil’s counsel. bailable case. Mr. Sheridan, as ing a lawyer. should be very “‘0. No case in which the pri- ariested upon the charge of a better :5 the Sheridan {er hand ,ot a pie '. feelin thalf he 1‘0 L5 be nduct your )lISD out shall 3 nd n be )u SI Mr. Sheridan, offering counsel until you can said the high sheriff, oung lawyer. likely to find boner, I If t 3 hi lhe with a p‘leasant smile, from the room. to an office under the )rrered her fr 1‘ veil upon 1V( m nsnnt Mr. jud ge's will one >f her )1: off time ever ,se j uvenil Nev/$9 much older iuvenile worshiper, to give hi much is conduc}; through [gagged in this way 1 opcned the d or I. They were both of Mrs. Barneys. Mr. Forlescue, an wealthy planter of now holding the of the county, The mid Sybil lhe youn: let )ncc ll al- \'isit. Mrs. Ber- Hawkins office; preliminary ex- do what I can ” explained Mr. his arm to his om the room. _ over her face, in of her counâ€" n of her counâ€" ow the sheriff, when she hap- devoted young landing discon- mt .Ily turn 1n inn lh I‘his lwsu ?en 1 in Le sat down. L of defense [1 being com- 5 object was wdeal. directed his unn , he some 1. dear- Ha lsant smile 360 lad 1e in p01 )u will. have as mrely f0 , brilliant Ned with Jit. Both frequent the time and. cap, and through. r unsup- 1ce, and 10h. and her wit- )mpany \\’ Jan-ant sheriff. When signed officer BS to re- 1111ka nan. sir said 1 FY )I‘ A I r. in his trate‘s office to the judge‘s room, where she found her young escort, still anx- iously awaiting her. “it is all right, Raphael,” she said, “or rather it will be all right very soon! Will it not, Mr. Forteseue ‘1” “I trust ahd believe so, madam.” “The magistrate insisted that my case was not a builable one, a d}ndeed I knew that much myself; ut the judge said that he would admit me to bail, and he can do so, can he not?” anxiously inquired Sybil. “The magistrate told you the truth; and. besides, he had no power to act in the matter of releasing you on bail: she bail iff room. wn Sheridan ; puts in an Sybil are the but lion The high sheriff smiled. “Judge Ruthven," he said, “is the most distinguished jurist. as well as the most. honored judge and the most popular man that ever presided in our courts. His proceedings become almost precedents. He can venture to do a rqreat deal. He can afford to risk great deal. He can afford to risk much !" While they talked thus together, Mr. Sheridan re-entered the room with a very cheerful expression on his coun- tenanco. “Au will “Mr. Shel order to 13' Mrs. Berne UICI‘O,‘ am hand to Mr. Forlescue. who drew it within his arm and led/her out of the room. and then from the hotel to the courthouse. The courtroom was, comparatively speaking, empty. The crowd that had collected to hear a trial for forgery. which was just ended in the acquittal of the prisoner, had dispersed at its close; and no one remained but, the presiding judge, the officers of the court, a few lawyers, and a group of gentlemen. As Sybil was led up the aisle, be; tween the rows of benches usually occupied by spectators, one of the gentlemen turned around. and, to her joy and amazement. revealed the coun- tenance of Lyon Bemers. If the dead had risen before her Sybil could searee~ ly have been more astounded. He from whose bleeding and insensible body she had been torn away. scarcely five days before, now stood before her. 111,, pale. faint. but living. His head was bound up with a white linen bandange, as, leaning on the arm of Captain Pendle- ton, he came to meet her. “On, my dear Sybil !" ‘ “My dearest Lyon 1” I _ These were the words with which they greeted each other. “Now. my friends, leave all this un- til you return together to Black Hall. Now we must not keep the court wait- ing, but proceed to business." said Mr. Sheridan, taking the hand of his client. and drawing it again through his arm as he led her up to a table that stood before the 'bar, and upon which was spread out a formidable-looking piece of parchment heavily engrossed. “llere is the bond by which you eu- ter. with your husband. with Captain Pendleton and Miss Beatrix Peudleton, into a iecognizance for your appear- ance at court when called to trial. The amount of bail is highâ€"fifty thousand dollars! But I fancy you are good for that,” said the young lawyer. Sybil smiled gravely, and when the pen was put into her hand. signed her name. Her signature was followed by those oi Lyon Berners, Clement Pendleton, and Beatrix Pcndleton. And. the bond being duly sealed and delivered, Sybil was informed that she was free to depart. , Free to depart! No more need of [lyihg and hiding! Free to go home, t-i sit down in peace by her own dear fire.- side. to lie down and repose on her own )ne lCI‘C,_ and with them enter into a mogulzance for your appearance at )urt when called to trial." Sybil promptly arose‘ and gave her and to Mr. Forlescue, who drew it 'ithinrhis arm and led/her out of the )0m. and then from the hotel to the 1m Quibbles. sir exceptions al would run s own, will tal‘ . whm matte your M r éure he wi 111' behalf." 10pe WHhOl sh Berners, n discretion; he will str HT. 1nd 2 well," he said. brightly. I hear you the judge‘s ; y9ur charge into court. you wil meet some friends with them enter into a away 1ti his rule will a very exceptional 1nd the judge has my powers, which rctch to the utmost 1 gain from his own the judge' 1min \vhil A BITE Bli't‘\\'l-I§~IN HOL'RS tuld you 111:1! you must c I know of Mr. Sher- arm will upon in SCI‘V Mrs. J. (whos‘hasn’t tht what a servictte isyâ€"Tell very sorry. but, I’ve sent tiM-er’s to have a new h comfortable bed! Free to depart! Free to go home! Oh, joy! Sybil. in her do. light. forgot that the darkest thunder- cloud of fate still lowered in the sky. threatening to break in destruction on her head i “Disregarding all forms, she was about to go up to the bench to pohr lorlh her thanksgivings to her old friend. Judge Rulhven, when her husband laid his hand upon her shoulder; and stopped her, whispering: “Remember, dearest, that we are in court. and govern yourself. We shall see the judge at the hotel." So Sybil merely curtsicd to the bench. and gave her hang] to her husband. who pressed it warmly. and then pass- ed it over to Mr. Sheridan, who led her from the courtroom. Lyon Berners, supported by Captain Pendleton and Beatrix on the arm of old Mr.’Fortescue, followed. And thus they all returned to the judge‘s room in the hotel. “Lyon, dearest! there is my little “1â€"1 must confess that it is. How do y‘ou know?" “1 put a post card addressed to my- sell amongst the lot, and it hasn’t reach- ed. me yet. It only costs a cent, and I“ find that it is a very effective way of keeping check on the rest of my letters. NOW, dear. if you will hand me the let- ters, I‘ll run out and post them myself." Parson Snapperâ€"Drunk again. Dan! Dan-I can't help it. passon. The volks wull arsl me to 'av a drink, an“ I dunt loike to offend ’em by sayin‘ no. Parson Snapperâ€"That's all nonsense! They don‘t ask me." Dnn~Mbbe not, but you ain’t so pop- ler as me. And before anoiher word could be spoken. the door was thrown open, and Judge Ruthven entered. ' All arose and stood up. as the vener- able old man went around and shook hands with each one. 7 (To be continued). “William,” she said, gently, and yet in accents of reproof. “you remember] that I gave you several letters to postl last week, don‘t you?” ' “Y-es; I remember il.” l “But this is the first time you have re membered it since I gave them to you, isn’t it?” SH The astronomer’s business. in spite the dyll times. is looking up. )mmy ietle pertiz A HINT FOR LOVING WIVES iidn‘t bile me at the right. time. ple :lar NH‘KIN NOVELTY. ould yer ase, Mrs. company 'I]0\hasn’t 'ithe is}â€" POPULARITY me in 011i t! there is my 11qu érer. Come here, Ra- ‘quainted with my hus- , as her eyes fell upon Jones, 'cos we've comin’ to tea? the faintest idea l‘ell yer ma I’m nt it down to the lend mother a 'ones. ’cos we've andle put on hours, and