The Washington herald., 1911-01-04
CHAPTER XVII.
The Verdict.

The Verdict.
The trial of Beatrice Shenstone for the
murder of her husband was one of the
first taken at the assizes, and the judge
who tried the case had known Shenstone
all his life; they had been friends years
ago. when both were barristers. OF late
they had not seen much of each other.
but he had suspected that Shenstone's s
married life was not very happy. and he
felt very bitter against the wife who he
believed had murdered his old friend. In
deed, the general public condemned her.
Judge Shenstone had been just, IL not as
lenient as some; therefore it happened
! that any little things that might have
told in the prisoners favor were scarcely
noticed by the jury.
She had the best counsel that could be
provided. but from the first he felt there
was little hope of an acquittal, and the
judges summing up demolished what
little he had. Now it was all over; Mrs.
ShenStone had been found guilty, without
even a recommendation to mercy. and
Paul was on his way to the hotel where
Margaret and her aunt awaited the YER
dict She had not been in court that day,
but had seen her mother the previous day
in the prison fnfirmary, when Mrs. Shen-
stone had appeared almost prostrated.
Paul Shuddered as he thought of Marga-
ret's mother as he last seen her. carried
senseless out of the dock; then he started
as familiar voice said:
Are you going to the station. Clel-
land?'"
ford was close to him, and he paused as
he answered:
No: / am going to the Crown. Miss
Shenstone and her aunt are there
Il think should have left the family
lawyer to take the news. He's sure to
want to see them, so what's the use of
you being a bird Of ill omen? Come home
with me- said Clifford in persuasive
voice.
a bird of ill omeni Yes, he would be
that, but he could not leave his beloved
to face this awful thing alone. She must
hear it from him.
Thank you I must stay here: my
place is beside the girl love in this time
of SORROW he said.
Clifford turned impatiently away. and
Paul went forward.
On arriving at the Crown, he went
quickly upstairs to the sitting-room oc-
cupied by Margaret and her aunt, but at
the door he paused-his heart failed him.
Then he heard voices in the hall below,
and a waiter say in reply to question:
They're saying, sir. as the verdict is
guilty. Mr.. Clelland, Miss Shenstone's
lover. has Just gone upstairs. OF course.
he didn't say anything. but he looked
awful
So the matter was being discussed in
the hotel and before long the newsboys
would be shouting the verdict. There
was no time to hesitate, so turning the
handle he entered the room 1t was a
bright sunny day in May. and the after
noon sunshine shone on Margaret's hair.
making it look like a golden halo round
her fair, sweet face that had lost all color
and was very much thinner, but there
was a patient sweetness that told of
suffering bravely borne. 1t was a face
that might have belonged to a martyr,
and truly the girl was suffering martyr
dom.
At the opening of the door she looked
up. Then. seing Paul. she went forward.
but what she read in his face was not
satisfactory. she said:
"Oh, Paul. they cannot have Then
she paused.
He went quickly forward and clasped
her in his arms as he said. in a voice
that was full of emotion:
They have found her guilty. but don't
lose heart, the sentence must be COM
muted- Then We shall have time to prove
her Innocence"
My poor mother!' and Marsaret's
voice was full OF anguish. "Oh, Paul.
how shall 1 bear it? Oh, it is awful
she walled.
He drew her closer.
My dear love, i will do all 1 can for
both her and you,'' he said.
''Oh, yes, l know that: but there is SO
little We can do. Nay, forget; there is
prayer. Some one said. Mans extremity
is Gods opportunity; I shall plead with
Him to make my mothers innocence
plain." she said: and the very thought
Of the Father who was above all, guiding
and ruling. seemed to comfort her. and
her tears fell fast. easing her burdened
heart
At that moment there was q tap on
the door. and Miss Shenstone, who had
quietly listened-leaving Clelland to COM
fort Margaret-now spoke:
MY dear, you had better go into the
bedroom. 1 expect It's Mr.. Shanlon."
Without a word Margaret crossed the
room and opened a door that led into her
bedroom. As 1t closed, Miss Hannah
Shenstone said:
want to hear what Mr.. Shanlon has to
say"
''Mr. Shanlon.'' said the waiter. OPEN
ing the door, and the lawyer entered.
One glance told him that Margaret was
not in the room. and he breathed more
freely.
IT suppose Mr.. Clelland has told you |
what the verdict is?' he said. az he shook |
hands with Miss Shenstone
Yes: was afraid 1t would be 50. Is |
there any hope Of getting it commuted!" |
The lawyer looked grave as he said:
II don't know. There Is q strong feel |
ing against Mrs. Shenstone. II she would |
disclose the name of the man with whom |
Lady Lascelles saw her 1t might help /
Us to bring forward fresh evidence, and l
there would be a reprieve.''
Guilty or not. she must be saved for /
her child's sake said Miss Shenstone.
While they were talking Paul had been |
sketchiuG head on piece Of paper
That Is the man. You win See that /
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MOVING PICTURES. |