I delicately stated just enough of my case to make one thing clear to the mind of Mr.Batterbury.My affectionate sister's interest in the contingent reversion was now ( unless Lady Malkinshaw perversely and suddenly expired) actually threatened by the Gallows! While calmly awaiting the answer, I was by no means without subjects to occupy my attention when Alicia was not at the prison.

There was my fellow-workman--Mill--( the first member of our society betrayed by Screw) to compare notes with; and there was a certain prisoner who had been transported, and who had some very important and interesting particulars to communicate, relative to life and its chances in our felon-settlements at the Antipodes.

I talked a great deal with this man; for I felt that his experience might be of the greatest possible benefit to me.
Mr.Batterbury's answer was speedy, short, and punctual.

I had shattered his nervous system forever, he wrote, but had only stimulated his devotion to my family, and his Christian readiness to look pityingly on my transgressions.

He had engaged the leader of the circuit to defend me; and he would have come to see me, but for Mrs.Batterbury; who had implored him not to expose himself to agitation.