Then Mr.Wilkins said: "If my father could have known of my living to this! Why, they will try me as a criminal; and you, Ellinor?
Dixon, you are right.

We must conceal it, or I must cut my throat, for I never could live through it.
One minute of passion, and my life blasted!" "Come along, sir," said Dixon; "there's no time to lose." And they went out in search of tools; Ellinor following them, shivering all over, but begging that she might be with them, and not have to remain in the study with-- She would not be bidden into her own room; she dreaded inaction and solitude.

She made herself busy with carrying heavy baskets of turf, and straining her strength to the utmost; fetching all that was wanted, with soft swift steps.
Once, as she passed near the open study door, she thought that she heard a rustling, and a flash of hope came across her.

Could he be reviving?
She entered, but a moment was enough to undeceive her; it had only been a night rustle among the trees.

Of hope, life, there was none.
They dug the hole deep and well; working with fierce energy to quench thought and remorse.