the treating of the Sproxton men, except
Jermyn, Johnson, and Harold Transome. Though he had the vaguest idea of what
could be done in the case, he fixed his mind on the probability that Mr Transome
would be moved to the utmost exertion, if only as an atonement; but he dared not
take any step until he had consulted Felix, who he foresaw was likely to have a
very strong determination as to the help he would accept or not accept.
    This last expectation was fulfilled. Mr Lyon returned to Esther, after his
day's journey to Loamford and back, with less of trouble and perplexity in his
mind: he had at least got a definite course marked out, to which he must resign
himself. Felix had declared that he would receive no aid from Harold Transome,
except the aid he might give as an honest witness. There was nothing to be done
for him but what was perfectly simple and direct. Even if the pleading of
counsel had been permitted (and at that time it was not) on behalf of a prisoner
on trial for felony, Felix would have declined it: he would in any case have
spoken in his own defence. He had a perfectly simple account to give, and needed
not to avail himself of any legal adroitness. He consented to accept the
services of a respectable solicitor in Loamford, who offered to conduct his case
without any fees. The work was plain and easy, Felix said. The only witnesses
who had to be hunted up at all were some who could testify that he had tried to
take the crowd down Hobb's Lane, and that they had gone to the Manor in spite of
him.
    »Then he is not so much cast down as you feared, father?« said Esther.
    »No, child; albeit he is pale and much shaken for one so stalwart. He hath
no grief, he says, save for the poor man Tucker, and for his mother; otherwise
his heart is without a burthen. We discoursed greatly on the sad effect of all
this for his mother, and on the perplexed condition of human things, whereby
even right action seems to bring evil consequences, if we have respect only to
our own brief lives, and not to that larger rule whereby we are stewards of the
eternal dealings, and not contrivers of our own success.«
    »Did he say nothing about me, father?« said Esther, trembling a little, but
unable to repress her egoism.
    »Yea; he asked if you were well, and sent his affectionate regards. Nay, he
bade