A kind Providence might be acting in his favour, thought De Brooke: at all events, liberation, if it could be effected upon any terms, was infinitely preferable to lingering out his days in prison. He rose, therefore, and put a paper containing the information required into the hands of the unfeeling stranger, who, without further speech or ceremony, depositing it safe in a pocket-case, coldly bowed, and withdrew.
The lawyer being gone, De Brooke interchanged with his wife those thoughts and reflections which such an unlooked for circumstance, involving his release, naturally produced. It was evident to perceive, the intentions of Sir Aubrey had for their object his removal from the kingdom; an event which could no otherwise take place than by his enjoining upon himself the sacrifice he meditated. Whatever the motive which dictated this compromise with his creditors on the part of his father, it was one of the greatest services it was possible at that moment of time to confer upon him, and which, previous to the last few hours, had appeared to him a circumstance as devoutly to be wished as it was utterly hopeless of fulfilment. On the other hand, this kindness, in the discharge of his debts, came attended by conditions, in themselves apparently so cold and heartless, when considered as coming
