Agnes, or, Beauty and Pleasure — page 91: what you’re looking at

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| to haye some discourse with my client. a re eee, . es fae ~ eee into waketulnass, dull deep reverie of the unhappy Winifred. AGNES; OR, BEAUTY AND PLEASURE, 83 And so it was now with the | konreely suppose that she will hesitate to speak iu "your presence ; and as for the constable here, ha * Oh, this is kind—most kind!” she said, start- is bound to secrecy in respect to whatsoever he ing up from her seat and flinging a look upon | may overhear.” Agnes, whose voice, as we have said, she had at | | once recognised: then she glanced towards Cicely | Neale — but this young lady was a stranger to” her. “ Winifred ! Winifred !” exclaimed Miss Evelyn, in a voice of solemn adjuration; “tell me that you are innocent! Look up to heaven — and imagine that you are speaking in the presence of the Deity himself!” It was a look of fervid gratitude mingled with a beatific enthusiasm, which Winifred flung upon Agnes—as if she felt that the young lady herself seemed like an angel sent from heaven: and sink- ing upon her knees, she said, “ Oh! believe me— believe me, I am innocent!” * And I do believe you!” responded Agnes, ex- tending her hand to raise Winifred up. “ This is my friend Miss Neale—the niece of Mr. Timperley —and she agreed to accompany me ed But Agnes stopped skert; for she perceived that Winifred was now gazing strangely upon Miss Neale; and she glanced quickly towards her com- panion. Cicely’s countenance was serious and grave, as if she approved not altogether of the precipitation with which her friend Agnes had rushed to the conclusion of Winifred’s innocence. “ That young lady,” said Miss Barrington, with a deeply sorrowful countenance, “ believes me to be guilty. And no wonder!—for circumstances have terribly combined against me. Nearly every one thinks that in the presence of those circum- stances it is impossible [ can be innocent!” * Cicely—my dear Cicely,” hastily whispered Agnes, “ you wrong the poor young woman—I am convinced that you do!” *T should be indeed sorry to prejudge others severely,” said Miss Neale, speaking in a tone that was audible to Winifred as well as to Miss Evelyn herself: “ but doubtless, as we have come hither in the capacity of friends and sympathisers —if friendship and sympathy be merited, Miss Barrington can have no possible objection to ex- plain the circumstances which seem to press so heavily against her.” At this moment there was another tap at the door; and the conversation was suspended while the constable opened it. A stout, middle-aged, good-looking gentleman made his appearance. This was Mr. Wardour, who had laid aside his forensic costume, and who had come to have an in- terview with his client. His name was at once gratefully ejaculated by Winifred; and thus the two young ladies learat who he was, * T was not aware,” said Mr. Wardour, hesitat- ing whether to enter, “that I might possibly be intruding.” “We are mere visitreases, sir,” said Miss Neale. * My companion Miss Evelyn entertains a strong feeling of sympathy on behalf of the accused ; and I was just observing that this is the opportu- nity for the prisoner to explain those circum- stances which at present combine fearfully against her.” * As you may suppose, ladies,” said Mr. War- dour, “ my own object in coming to this room was I can ee Mr. Wardour sat down; and Winifred looked first at him—then at Agnes and Cicely—then at the police-constable, with a strange expression of countenance, as if she longed to say something, and yet on the other hand had cogent reasons for remaining silent. ** If our presence be a source of embarrassment,” said Agnes, in a kind and gentle voice, “ we will withdraw.” “How is 16 possible,” asked Miss Neale, “ that we who come with the most friendly motives, can be any restraint on Miss Barrington? Those who offer sympathy and friendship where both aro so much needed, have a right to be convinced that they are manifesting thers good feelings in the proper direction.” Agnes could not help thinking there was some- thing very worldly-minded, almost to harshness and severity, in Cicely’s speech; though still, on the other hand, she could not conceal from her- self that it indicated a becoming cautiousness :— and she therefore made no comment upon it. “To you, Mr. Wardour,” said Winifred, in a tone that was tremulous with grateful emotions, ““my best thanks are due. And, oh, sir!” she cried, with a sudden gush of enthusiasm, at the same time sinking upon her knees, “ belieye me— I am really innocent !” Winifred,” said Agnes, hastening forward and bending down towards the unhappy girl as she still retained her kneeling posture,—* tell that worthy gentleman everything! I beseech you to have no secrets from him! Remember it is he whois your representative in the solemn tribunal— it is he who stands as it were between yourself and disgrace—between your safety and your condem- nation—between your life, and—and ni But Agnes stopped short—she could not give utterance to the dreadful phrase “the scaffold,” though she would have urged that frightful con- sideration as a means of inducing Winifred to re- pose the fullest confidence in her legal adviser. “Yes, dear young lady!” exclaimed Miss Bar- rington, starting up from her knees, “I will deal candidly with Mr. Wardour: but—but—I must speak to him alone! I cannot in the presence of others——Oh, I scarcely know what I say !”’— and she suddenly burst into tears, She turned away towards the window. Cicely Neale shook her head ominously; while Mr. War- dour, rising from his seat, hastened to whisper to Agnes, “It has often come within the range of my experience, that persons situated as this unfortu- nate girl is, may have explanations to give which can only be confided to the ears of their legal ad- visers. Yet this must not be regarded either as a proof of guiit, or as an evidence of ingratitude for the kind sympathy which may be offered.” “T understand, Mr. Wardour,” replied Agnes, also speaking-in a low voice: “it will be advisable for my friend and myself to withdraw. We will go. But first of all tell me—tell me, Mr. War- dour—if you do not consider the question an im- proper one—tell me, what is your upinion ?” The barrister drew Miss Evelyn still farther aside; and he whispered to her, but with em- Corn Dook ee en ee a TT jh. eS Te = — = a (C@)