But in this case, there is worse behind, for the ill ending does not inherently issue from the plot--the story had, in fact, ended well after the great last interview between Richard and Lucy--and the blind, illogical bullet which smashes all has no more to do between the boards than a fly has to do with a room into whose open window it comes buzzing.

It might have so happened; it needed not; and unless needs must, we have no right to pain our readers.

I have had a heavy case of conscience of the same kind about my Braxfield story.

Braxfield--only his name is Hermiston--has a son who is condemned to death; plainly there is a fine tempting fitness about this--and I meant he was to hang.

But on considering my minor characters, I saw there were five people who would--in a sense, who must--break prison and attempt his rescue.