It ended, however, in Alaric being committed, and giving bail to stand his trial in about a fortnight's time; and in his being assured by his attorney that he would most certainly be acquitted.

That bit of paper on which he had made an entry that certain shares bought by him had been bought on behalf of his ward, would save him; so said the attorney: to which, however, Alaric answered not much.

Could any acutest lawyer, let him be made of never so fine an assortment of forensic indignation, now whitewash his name and set him again right before the world?
He, of course, communicated with Sir Gregory, and agreed to be suspended from his commissionership till the trial should be over.

His two colleagues then became bail for him.
So much having been settled, he got into a cab with his attorney, and having dropped that gentleman on the road, he returned home.
The excitement of the examination and the necessity for action had sustained him?
but now--what was to sustain him now?
How was he to get through the intervening fortnight, banished as he was from his office, from his club, and from all haunts of men?
His attorney, who had other rogues to attend to besides him, made certain set appointments with him--and for the rest, he might sit at home and console himself as best he might with his own thoughts.

'Excelsior!' This was the pass to which 'Excelsior' had brought _Sic itur ad astro!_--Alas, his road had taken him hitherto in quite a different direction.
He sent for Charley, and when Charley came he made Gertrude explain to him what had happened.