He was escorted into the room by a guard from the Tombs, who placed himself at the prisoner's elbow, prepared to frustrate any sudden break for liberty.
Beard met the eyes of the girl with an expression which the others were able to interpret instantly.

Not a word passed between the couple, but their looks sufficiently conveyed their emotions.

On beholding Ward, however, Beard gave a low exclamation of surprise, then looked inquiringly at the girl.

She had no opportunity to explain her own amazement at finding Ward in the office, for the coroner broke in with the announcement that he had decided to release Beard.
"I am permitting you to go on your own recognizance," he said to the astonished prisoner, "but I shall expect you to hold yourself in readiness to appear here whenever you are wanted." "I shall be on hand," Beard promised.
"Then you are at liberty to go," the coroner told him.
If Britz expected to witness a hysterical scene between Beard and the girl, he was doomed to disappointment.

He had stage-managed Beard's release, and he also had arranged for the presence of Miss Burden and Ward.