Page:Sylvester Sound the Somnambulist (1844).djvu/470

On the road, the chief question discussed was, How Mrs. Howard should be informed of the fact of her being believed to be guiltless; and it was at length decided that the reverend gentleman should go and have an interview with her, with power to act precisely as circumtances might prompt.

He, accordingly—having partaken of some refreshment—entered the carriage; and proceeded to the residence of Mrs. Howard, which was nearly nine miles from the Hall, while Howard himself, to the amazement as well as the delight of Henriette, explained to her all that had occurred.

On his arrival, the reverend gentleman inquired for "Mrs. Greville;" and, having sent in his card, was shown into the parlour, in which a portrait of Howard hung conspicuously. This struck him as he entered; but his thoughts soon reverted to the task he had undertaken, and just as he had seated himself near the window, a tall, commanding figure firmly entered the room.

"Mrs. Howard," said the reverend gentleman, "I believe I have the pleasure of addressing?"

"Mrs. Howard!" she echoed, with a look of surprise. "My name—she added, in deep tones of sadness. My name is Greville, sir—Greville, now."

"My dear lady: pardon me," said the reverend gentleman; "I addressed you as Mrs. Howard. I did so, because I now come as a mediator."

"A mediator!" she exclaimed. "A mediator! From whom?"

"From one whose affection for you is unbounded, and from whose heart of hearts you have never been estranged."

"Why, what am I to understand by this?"

"My dear, dear madam, I am cognisant of the whole of the circumstances connected with your unhappy case. Your husband did believe you to be faithless."

"He did!" she exclaimed; "he did. But," she added, clasping her hands fervently, "I am—before God, I here declare that I am—innocent!"

"I believe it: I believe it: I firmly believe it."

"You said that he—my husband—did believe that I was faithless. Of course he believes it still!"

"No—no!"

"He does not!"

"He does not."

"Thank heaven!" she cried. "Thank heaven! Oh! most fervently do I thank heaven for that! A mediator!" she added, thoughtfully, "a mediator! Tell me—pray tell me at once what you mean."

"My dear madam, your husband now believes you to be guiltless. Your innocence has been severely tested and proved."

"Proved! How proved?"

"It has been, through my humble instrumentality, proved that Dr. Sound was a somnambulist! And now I am come to communicate to