 I dare say
I'm not very correct in my story. I dare say he's innocent; I'm sure I had no
right to say otherwise, - only words slip out. - No! indeed, young woman, I see
no cause for apprehension about this poor creature in the next room; - weak -
certainly; but a day or two's good nursing will set her up, and I'm sure you're
a good nurse, my dear, from your pretty kind-hearted face; - I'll send a couple
of pills and a draught, but don't alarm yourself - there's no occasion, I assure
you.«
    »But you don't think her fit to go to Liverpool?« asked Mary, still in the
anxious tone of one who wishes earnestly for some particular decision.
    »To Liverpool - yes,« replied he. »A short journey like that couldn't
fatigue, and might distract her thoughts. Let her go by all means, - it would be
the very thing for her.«
    »O, sir!« burst out Mary, almost sobbing; »I did so hope you would say she
was too ill to go.«
    »Whew« said he, with a prolonged whistle, trying to understand the case; but
being, as he said, no reader of newspapers, utterly unaware of the peculiar
reasons there might be for so apparently unfeeling a wish, »- Why did you not
tell me so sooner? It might certainly do her harm in her weak state! there is
always some risk attending journeys - draughts, and what not. To her, they might
prove very injurious, - very. I disapprove of journeys or excitement, in all
cases where the patient is in the low, fluttered state in which Mrs. Wilson is.
If you take my advice, you will certainly put a stop to all thoughts of going to
Liverpool.« He really had completely changed his opinion, though quite
unconsciously; so desirous was he to comply with the wishes of others.
    »Oh, sir, thank you! And will you give me a certificate of her being unable
to go, if the lawyer says we must have one? The lawyer, you know,« continued
she, seeing him looked puzzled, »who is to defend Jem, - it was as a witness
against him« -
    »My dear girl!« said he almost angrily, »why did you not state the case
fully at first? one minute would have done it,
