"
Quick as lightning, in all solemn earnestness, the word "innocent" was
on Arthur's lips. It had been better for him, perhaps, that he had
spoken it. But, alas! that perplexity, as to how far he might venture
to assert his own innocence, was upon him still. What impression could
this hesitation, coupled with the suspicious circumstances, make upon
the mind of Mr. Galloway?
"Have you _no_ answer?" emphatically asked Mr. Galloway.
"I am not guilty, sir."
Meanwhile, what do you suppose were the sensations of Mr. Channing? We
all know that anguish of mind is far more painful to bear when the body
is quiescent, than when it is in motion. In any great trouble, any
terrible suspense, look at our sleepless nights! We lie, and toss, and
turn; and say, When will the night be gone? In the day we can partially
shake it off, walking hither and thither; the keenness of the anguish
is lost in exertion.
Mr. Channing could not take this exertion. Lying there always, his days
were little better to him than nights, and this strange blow, which had
fallen so suddenly and unexpectedly, nearly overwhelmed him. Until that
afternoon he would have confidently said that his son might have been
trusted with a room full of untold gold. He would have said it still,
but for Arthur's manner: it was that which staggered him. More than one
urgent message had been despatched for Mr. Galloway, but that gentleman
was unable to go to him until late in the evening.
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