discerned the motive which actuated him. Annabel clapped her hands. She
would have thought it great fun to go up in a balloon.

"Well, mother, the worst tidings that the whole world could bring upon
us cannot, I say, be very dreadful, while we can discuss them as we are
doing now," said Hamish. "I suppose the Lord Chancellor has pronounced
against us?"

"Irrevocably. The suit is for ever at an end, and we have lost it."

"Hamish is right," interrupted Mr. Channing. "When the letter arrived,
I was for a short time overwhelmed. But I begin to see it already in a
less desponding light; and by to-morrow I dare say I shall be cheerful
over it. One blessed thing--children, I say advisedly, a 'blessed'
thing--the worry will be over."

Charley lifted his head. "The worry, papa?"

"Ay, my boy. The agitation--the perpetual excitement--the sickening
suspense--the yearning for the end. You cannot understand this,
Charley; you can none of you picture it, as it has been, for me. Could
I have gone abroad, as other men, it would have shaken itself off
amidst the bustle of the world, and have pressed upon me only at odd
times and seasons. But here have I lain; suspense my constant
companion. It was not right, to allow the anxiety so to work upon me:
but I could not help it; I really could not."

"We shall manage to do without it, papa," said Arthur.

"Yes; after a bit, we shall manage very well. The worst is, we are