to-morrow morning. I will endeavor to see the Judge of the Orphans'
Court to-night, take out a habeas corpus, ordering Le Noir to bring
his ward into court, and serve it on him as he passes through
Staunton on his way home."

"But is there no way of preventing him from taking Clara away from
the house to-morrow morning."

"No good way. No, madam, it is best that all things should be done
decently and in order. I advise you, as I shall also advise my young
friends, Traverse and Clara, not to injure their own cause by unwise
impatience or opposition. We should go before the Orphans' Court
with the very best aspect."

"Come, then, and talk to Clara. She has the most painful antipathy
to the man who claims the custody of her person, as well as the most
distressing reluctance to leaving her dear home and friends; and all
this, in addition to her recent heavy affliction, almost overwhelms
the poor child," said Mrs. Rocke, weeping.

"I will go at once and do what I can to soothe her," said Doctor
Williams, following Mrs. Rocke, who led him up to Clara's room.

They found her prostrate upon her bed, crushed with grief.

"Come, come, my dear girl, this is too bad! It is not like the usual
noble fortitude of our Clara," said the old man, kindly taking her
hand.

"Oh, Doctor, forgive--forgive me! but my courage must have been very