Such was her present state; but it was doomed that her eyes should soon be opened, and that she should know her own sorrow.
On the Sunday afternoon, Norman returned to Hampton with the tidings that Charley was once more a free man.

The key of gold which he had taken with him had been found potent enough to open all barriers, even those with which the sanctity of Sunday had surrounded the prisoner.

Mr.Outerman, and the bailiff, and the messenger, had all been paid their full claims, and Charley, with his combs and brushes, had returned to the more benign custody of Mrs.Richards.
'And why didn't he come down with you ?' said Katie to Norman, who had gone up to her bedroom to give her the good tidings.
Norman looked at Mrs.Woodward, but made no reply.
'He would probably prefer remaining in town at present,' said Mrs.Woodward.

'It will be more comfortable for him to do so.' And then Katie was left alone to meditate why Charley should be more comfortable after his arrest in London than at Hampton; and after a while she thought that she had surmised the truth.

'Poor Charley! perhaps he is ashamed.