Turning toward Beryl, Judge Parkman said: 

“It is my duty again to remind you, that the cross-examination of witnesses is one of the most important methods of defence; as thereby inaccuracies of statement regarding time, place, etc., are often detected in criminal prosecutions, which otherwise might remain undiscovered.  To this invaluable privilege of every defendant, I call your attention once more.  Will you cross-question the witness on the stand?”

Involuntarily her eyes sought those of the witness, and despite his locked and guarded face, she read there an intimation that vaguely disquieted her.  She knew that the battle with him must yet be fought.

“I waive the right.”

“Then, with the consent of the prosecuting counsel, witness is discharged, subject to recall should the necessities of rebuttal demand it.”

“By agreement with my colleagues, I ask for final discharge, subject to your Honor’s approval.”

“If in accordance with their wishes, the request is granted.”

The clock on the turret struck one, the hour of adjournment, and ere recess was declared, Mr. Churchill rose.

“Having now proved by trustworthy and unquestioned witnesses, a dark array of facts, which no amount of additional testimony could either strengthen, or controvert, the prosecution here rest their case before the jury for inspection; and feeling assured that only one conclusion can result, will call no other witness, unless required in rebuttal.”

Desiring to be alone, Beryl had shut out even Sister Serena, and as the officer locked her into a dark antechamber, adjoining the court-room, she began to pace the floor.  One tall, narrow window, dim with inside dust, showed her through filmy cobwebs the gray veil of rain falling ceaselessly outside, darkening the day that seemed a fit type of her sombre-hued life, drawing swiftly to its close, with no hope of rift in the clouds, no possibility of sunset glow even to stain its grave.  Oh! to be hidden safely in mother earth—­away from the gaping crowd that thirsted for her blood!—­at rest in darkness and in silence; with the maddening stings of outraged innocence and womanly delicacy stilled forever.  Oh! the coveted peace of lying under the sod, with only nodding daisies, whispering grasses, crystal chimes of vernal rain, solemn fugue of wintry winds between her tired, aching eyes and the fair, eternal heavens!  Harrowing days and sleepless, horror-haunted nights, invincible sappers and miners, had robbed her of strength; and the uncontrollable shivering that now and then seized her, warned her that her nerves were in revolt against the unnatural strain.  The end was not far distant, she must endure a little longer; but that last battle with Mr. Dunbar?  On what ground, with what weapons would he force her to fight?  Kneeling in front of a wooden bench that lined one side of the room, she laid her head on the seat, covered her face with her hands, and prayed for guidance, for divine help in her hour of supreme desolation.