Disease and death then would not wait for that trial, to which she had looked as the inevitable first step towards the prisoner's release.

He was about perhaps to be emancipated in a speedier way than by man's justice.

But if so, would not he be always supposed guilty?
Would not the blot upon her and her child be ineffaceable?
Whether or not, he must not die alone, untended by those who were nearest to him, and dependent on the charity and kindness of strangers.
She called Lucia, and told her what she had just heard.
"I shall write to Mr.Strafford," she said, "and if there seems no special reason for doing otherwise, I will wait for his coming before I make any change; but if he cannot come just now, or if I should find it needful for--for your father's sake, Lucia, our secret must be told at once." At that word "your father" a sudden flush had risen to the cheeks of both mother and child.

They had both been learning lately to _think_ of the father and husband by his rightful titles, but this was perhaps the first time he had been so spoken of; each felt it as the first step towards his full recognition.
Lucia was silent for a moment, and Mrs.Costello asked, "Do you think that is being too hasty ?" "Oh! _no_, mamma.

I think it should be done at once.