They cried for a few moments on each other's shoulders.

"To think," said Mrs.Scott, "what that poor boy must have suffered to have been obliged to do--that to--to--Bilson--isn't that the creature's name?
I suppose we ought to send over there and inquire after him, with some chicken and jelly, Kate.

It's only common humanity, and we must be just, my dear; for even if he shot Mr.Lee and provoked the poor boy to shoot him, he may have thought it his duty.

And then, it will avert suspicions." "To think," murmured Mrs.Hale, "what they must have gone through while they were here--momentarily expecting John to come, and yet keeping up such a light heart." "I believe, if they had stayed any longer, they would have told us everything," said Mrs.Scott.
Both the younger women were silent.

Kate was thinking of Falkner's significant speech as they neared the house on their last walk; Josephine was recalling the remorseful picture drawn by Lee, which she knew was his own portrait.