days they passed in the court, that, perhaps, was the most oppressive. There was no employment for them, and then the suspense was terrible! That suspense became worse and worse as the hours went on, for it was clear that at any rate some of the jury were anxious to give a verdict against her. 'They say that there's eight and four,' said Mr. Aram, at one of the many visits which he made to them; 'but there's no saying how true that may be.'
'Eight and four!' said Peregrine.
'Eight to acquit, and four for guilty,' said Aram. 'If so, we're safe, at any rate, till the next assizes.'
But it was not fated that Lady Mason should be sent away from the court in doubt. At eight o'clock Mr. Aram came to them, hot with haste, and told them that the jury had sent for the judge. The judge had gone home to his dinner, but would return to court at once when he heard that the jury had agreed.
'And must we go into court again?' said. Mrs. Orme.
'Lady Mason must do so.'
'Then of course I shall go with her. Are you ready now, dear?'
Lady Mason was unable to speak, but she signified that she was ready, and then they went into court. The jury were already in the box, and as the two ladies took their seats, the judge entered. But few of the gas-lights were lit, so that they in the court could hardly see each other, and the remaining ceremony did not take five minutes.
'Not guilty, my lord,' said the foreman. Then the verdict was recorded, and the judge went back to his dinner. Joseph Mason and Dockwrath were present and heard the verdict. I will leave the reader to imagine with what an appetite they returned to their chamber.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
I LOVE HER STILL.
It was all over now, and as Lucius had said to his mother, there was nothing left for them but to go and hide themselves. The verdict had reached him before his mother's return, and on the moment of his hearing it he sat down and commenced the following letter to Mr. Furnival:—
'Orley Farm, March —, 18—.
'Dear Sir,
'I beg to thank you, in my mother's name, for your great exertions in the late trial. I must acknowledge that I have been wrong in thinking that you gave her bad advice, and am now convinced that you acted with the best judgment on her behalf. May I
