Next to her husband, in the bar, did this suffering woman take her place:  and that husband arraigned before. his country’s tribunal for the highest crime—­murder!  How little did she dream of such an awful situation, years before, when a gay, thoughtless, innocent girl, she gave up in maiden confidence, and with deep joy, her affections to that husband.  Passing on step by step, in misery’s paths, she had at last reached a point, the bare idea of which, had it been entertained as possible for a moment, would have almost extinguished life.  Now, her deep interest in that husband who had abused her confidence, and almost extinguished hope in her bosom, kept her up, and enabled her to watch with unwavering attention every minute proceeding.

After the indictment was read, and the State’s Attorney, in a comprehensive manner, had stated the distinct features of the case, which he pledged himself to prove by competent witnesses, poor Mrs. Warburton became sick and faint.  A clearer case of deliberate murder could not, it seemed to her, be made out.  Still, she was sure there must be palliating circumstances, and longed to be permitted to rise and state her impressions of the case.  Once she did start to her feet, but a right consciousness returned before she had uttered a word.  Shrinking into her seat again, she watched with a pale face and eager look, the course of the proceedings.

Witness after witness was called on the part of the state, each testifying distinctly the fact of Warburton’s attack upon the murdered man, and his threat to take his life.  Hope seemed utterly to fail from the heart of the poor wife, when the testimony on the part of the prosecution closed.  But now came the time for the examination of witnesses in favour of the prisoner.  Soon Mrs. Warburton was seen upon her feet, bending over towards the witness’ stand, and eagerly devouring each word.  Rapid changes would pass over her countenance, as she comprehended, with a woman’s quickness of perception, rendered acute by strong interest, the bearing which the evidence would have upon the case.  Now her eye would flash with interest and her face become flushed—­and now her cheek would pale, and her form seem to shrink into half its dimensions.  Oh! who can imagine one thousandth part of all her sufferings on that awful occasion?  When, finally, the case was given to the jury, and after waiting hour after hour at the court-house, to hear the decision, she had to go home long after dark, in despair of knowing the result before morning, it seemed hardly possible that she could pass through that night and retain her senses.  She did not sleep through the night’s long watches—­how could she sleep?  Hours before the court assembled, she was at the court-house, waiting to know the fate of one, who now, in his fearful extremity, seemed dearer to her than ever.  Slowly passed the lingering minutes, and at length ten o’clock came.  The court-room was filled to suffocation, but through