Mrs.Costello was sitting beside her husband, and had been talking to him.

He had been for a short time quite aroused to interest in what she said, but very little fatigued him, and they were both silent when the door softly opened to admit the unexpected visitor.

Mrs.Costello rose with a strange spasm at her heart.

She foresaw news, but could not guess what, and she trembled as Mr.Bellairs shook hands with her.
"Do you think," he said at once, "that it would be safe to tell him good news ?" She looked at him eagerly, and he in turn was startled by the passionate interest that flashed into her face.
"What news ?" She asked in a quick vehement whisper.
"That he is proved innocent; that the murderer has confessed." "Is it true ?" "It is perfectly true.

I have just left Mr.Bayne, who heard the confession." "Thank God!" She felt her limbs giving way, and caught at the corner of the table for support, but would have fallen if Mr.Bellairs had not prevented it, and laid her on a sofa which had been lately brought into the room.
He hurried to the door, and just outside it met Mrs.Elton, who came to Mrs.Costello's assistance.