"Well, I cannot tell you all, but the judge summed up strongly for a
conviction, though he said a good deal about culpable negligence almost
inviting fraud, and I fear it must have been very distressing to the
Williamses, but the end was that Maddox was found guilty, and sentenced
to fourteen years' penal servitude, though I am afraid they will not
follow Conrade's suggestion, and chain up a lion by his bed every night
of his life.
"We were very happy when we met at the inn, and all shook hands.
Dr. Long was, I think, the least at ease. He had come in case this
indictment had in any way failed, to bring his own matter forward, so
that Maddox should not get off. I do not like him very much, he seemed
unable to be really hearty, and I think he must have once been harsh and
now ashamed of it. Then he was displeased at Colonel Keith's absence,
and could hardly conceal how much he was put out by the cause, as if he
thought the Colonel had imposed himself on the family as next heir. I
hardly know how to send all this in the present state of things, but I
believe you will wish to have it, and will judge how much Rachel will
bear to hear. Good night.--Your affectionate Sister, "Grace Curtis."
"Gowanbrae,
Avonmouth,
August 3d, 11 P. M.
"Dear Keith,--Before this day has ended you must have a few lines from
the man whom your exertions have relieved from a stigma, the full misery
of which I only know by the comfort of its removal. I told you there
was much that could never be restored. I feel this all the more in the
presence of all that now remains to me, but I did not know how much
could still be given back. The oppression of the load of suspicion under
which I laboured now seems to me to have been intolerable since I have
been freed from it. I cannot describe how changed a man I have felt,
since Beechum shook hands with me. The full blackness of Maddox's
treachery I had not known, far less his cruelty to my child. Had I been
aware of all I could not have refrained from trying to bring him to
justice; but there is no need to enter into the past. It is enough that
I owe to you a freed spirit, and new life, and that my gratitude is not
lessened by the knowledge that something besides friendship urged you.
Ermine is indeed as attractive as ever, and has improved in health far
more than I durst expect. I suppose it is your all-powerful influence.
You are first with all here, as you well deserve, even my child, who
is as lovely and intelligent as you told me, has every thought pervaded
with 'the Colonel.' She is a sweet creature; but there was one who will
never be retraced, and forgive me, Keith, without her, even triumph must
be bitterness.--Still ever most gratefully yours, "Edward Williams."