Maurice found time to despatch by every mail, and in which he used over
and over again every argument he could think of to convince her that
whatever her difficulties might be, she had no right to refuse what she
had once tacitly promised, she resolutely gave up, and put away from
her, the hopes she had long entertained, and the plans which had been
the comfort of her heart.

It was settled, without anything definite being said on the subject,
that they were to remain at the Cottage until the Assizes, or just
before; so that Christian, in any need, might have help at hand. When
his trial was over, their future course would be decided,--or, rather,
Mrs. Costello's would, for it depended on the sentence. If that should
be "Not guilty," she would claim the unhappy prisoner at once, and take
him to some strange place where she could devote herself to caring for
him in that helplessness which renewed all his claims upon her. If it
were "Guilty," she would go immediately to the seat of Government and
never cease her efforts till she obtained his pardon. She felt no fear
whatever of succeeding in this--his wretchedness and imbecility would
be unanswerable arguments--no one would refuse to her the miserable
remnant of such a life.

Lucia heard, and shared in arranging all these plans. She was still
ignorant that they were not intended to include herself, and Mrs.
Costello shrank from embittering the last months of their companionship
by the anticipations of parting. Thus they continued to live in the
tranquil semblance of their former happiness, while winter settled in
round them, and the time which must inevitably break up the calm drew
nearer and nearer.

Mrs. Bellairs and her sister came back from their visit. Bella was still