Another pause ensued, and they looked gloomily at the smoke that beat
about the hurdles which sheltered them, through whose weavings a large
drop of rain fell at intervals and spat smartly into the fire. Mrs.
Charmond had been no friend to Winterborne, but he was manly, and it
was not in his heart to let her be condemned without a trial.
"She is said to be generous," he answered. "You might not appeal to
her in vain."
"It shall be done," said Melbury, rising. "For good or for evil, to
Mrs. Charmond I'll go."