"And must he
die uncertain of my blame or innocence? Yet he will learn it in that
wiser world!"
"Agnes, I require perfect submission from you for this day. Will you
give it in all things?"
She looked at him a moment in earnest reflection, and said finally:
"Yes, unless my conscience says 'no.'"
"Nothing will be asked of you that you cannot rightfully do. Decision is
what is needed now, and I will bring you through triumphantly if you
will obey me."
"I will."
"At eleven o'clock we must go to the magistrate's office. I will walk
there with you."
"Am I to be arrested?" she asked, hesitating.
"If you go with me it will not be an arrest."
"Mr. Salter," she cried, in a burst of anguish, "I am not fit to be seen
upon the streets of Kensington."
He took her in his arms like a daughter.
"Yes, yes, poor girl! The mother of God braved no less. You can bear it.
But all this morning I must be closely engaged. An important event
happened last night. At eleven, positively, be ready to go out with me."
Agnes was ready, and stepped forth into the daylight on the main
thoroughfare of Queen Street. Almost every window was filled with
gazers; the sidewalks were lined with strollers, loiterers, and people
waiting. She might have fainted if Duff Salter's arm had not been there
to sustain her.
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