The
first words that were gasped out between the rending sobs were, 'Oh! is
my--he--to be tried?'
'Most likely not, my dear. He has had full time to get away, and I
hope it is so.'
'But wasn't he there? Haven't they got him? Weren't they asking me
about him, and saying I must be tried for stealing father's cheque?'
'You were dreaming, my poor child. They have not taken him, and I am
quite sure you will not be tried anyway.'
'They said--Aunt Jane and Uncle Reginald and all, and 'that dreadful
man that came--'
'Perhaps they said you might have to be examined, but only if he is
apprehended, and I fully expect that he is out of reach, so that you
need not frighten yourself about that, my dear.'
'Oh, don't go!' cried Dolores, as her aunt stirred.
'No, I'm not going. I was only reaching some water for you. Let me
sponge your face.'
To this Dolores submitted gratefully, and then sighed, as if under
heavy oppression, 'And did he really do it?'
'I am afraid he must have done so.'
'I never thought it. Mother always helped him.'
'Yes, my dear, that made it very hard for you to know what was right to
do, and this is a most terrible shock for you,' said her aunt, feeling
unable to utter another reproach just then to one who had been so
loaded with blame, and she was touched the more when Dolores moaned,
'Mother would have cared so much.'
She answered with a kiss, was glad to find her hand still held, and
forgot that it was past eleven o'clock.
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