"Dear Eric--I _cannot, will_ not, believe you guilty, although
appearances look very black. You have many faults, but I feel sure
that I cannot be mistaken in supposing you too noble-minded for a
revenge so petty and so mean. Come to me, my boy, if I can help you
in any way. I _trust you_, Eric, and will use every endeavour to
right you in the general estimation. You are innocent; pray to God
for help under this cruel trial, and be sure that your character will
yet be cleared.--Affectionately yours, Walter Rose."
"P.S.--I can easily understand that just now you will like quiet; come
and sit with me in the library as much as you like."
He read this note two or three times with grateful emotion, and at that
moment would have died for Mr Rose. The third note was from Owen, as
follows--
"Dear Williams--We have been cool to each other lately; naturally,
perhaps. But yet I think that it will be some consolation to you to
be told, even by a rival, that I, for one, feel certain of your
innocence,--and, moreover, think that I can _prove_ it, as I will tell
you in time. If you want company, I shall be delighted to have a
walk.--Yours truly, D. Owen."
This note, too, brought much comfort to the poor boy's lonely and
passionate heart. He put it into his pocket, and determined at once to
accept Mr Rose's kind offer of allowing him to sit for the present in
the library.
There were several boys in the room while he was reading his notes, but
none of them spoke to him, and he was too proud to notice them, or
interrupt the constrained silence. As he went out he met Duncan and
Montagu, who at once addressed him in the hearing of the rest.
"Ha! Williams," said Duncan, "we have been looking everywhere for you,
old fellow. Cheer up, you shall be cleared yet. I for one, and Monty
for another, will maintain your innocence before the whole school."
Montagu _said_ nothing, but Eric understood full well the trustful
kindness of his pressure of the hand. His heart was too full to speak,
and he went on towards the library.
"I wonder at your speaking to that fellow," said Ball, as the two
newcomers joined the group at the fireplace.
"You will be yourself ashamed of having ever suspected him before long,"
said Montagu warmly; "ay, the whole lot of you; and you are very unkind
to condemn him before you are certain."
"I wish you joy of your _friend_, Duncan," sneered Barker.
"Friend?" said Duncan, firing up; "yes! he is my friend, and I'm not
ashamed of him. It would be well for the school if _all_ the fellows
were as honourable as Williams."
Barker took the hint, and although he was too brazen to blush, thought
it better to say no more.