Try to think of it as of a surgical operation, which is a dreadful thing in itself, but is accepted in lieu of something which is immeasurably more dreadful." "I will try to do as you tell me," she answered meekly; "but it is so shocking to think of a cultivated gentleman like Reuben, herded with common thieves and murderers, and locked in a cage like some wild animal.

Think of the ignominy and degradation!" "There is no ignominy in being wrongfully accused," I said--a little guiltily, I must own, for Thorndyke's words came back to me with all their force.

But regardless of this I went on: "An acquittal will restore him to his position with an unstained character, and nothing but the recollection of a passing inconvenience to look back upon." She gave her eyes a final wipe, and resolutely put away her handkerchief.
"You have given me back my courage," she said, "and chased away my terror.

I cannot tell you how I feel your goodness, nor have I any thank-offering to make, except the promise to be brave and patient henceforth, and trust in you entirely." She said this with such a grateful smile, and looked withal so sweet and womanly that I was seized with an overpowering impulse to take her in my arms.

Instead of this I said with conscious feebleness: "I am more than thankful to have been able to give you any encouragement--which you must remember comes from me second-hand, after all.