me now, forgive your poor Clara, her anger and her impatience. She
will try to be worthy of the rearing you have given her and to bear
even this great trial with the spirit worthy of your daughter!" said
Clara within her own heart; then, speaking up, she said: "You shall
have no more reason to reprove me, Doctor Williams."

"That is my brave girl! That is my dear Clara Day! And now, when
your guardian directs you to prepare yourself for your journey, obey
him--go with him without making any objection. I purpose to arrest
your journey at Staunton with a habeas corpus that he dare not
resist, and which shall compel him to bring you into the Orphans'
Court. There our side shall be heard, and the decision will rest
with the judge."

"And all will be well! Oh, say that, sir! to give me the courage to
act with becoming docility," pleaded Clara.

"I have not a doubt in this world that it will all be right, for,
however Colonel Le Noir may choose to disregard the last wishes of
your father, as attested by myself and young Rocke, I have not the
least idea that the judge will pass them over. On the contrary, I
feel persuaded that he will confirm them by sending you back here to
your beloved home."

"Oh, may heaven grant it!" said Clara. "You do, indeed, give me new
life."

"Yes, yes, be cheerful, my dear; trust in Providence and expect
nothing short of the best! And now I dare not tarry longer with you,
for I must see the Judge at his house this night. Good-by, my dear;