"Does no one come to see you?"
"Years ago my son used to come and his wife, too; but they are both dead."
"Poor woman!"
She looked up again with a glance of earnest surprise. She was so unused to pity that the compassionate voice brought a dry sob to her throat.
"Are you content here? Tell me."
"Yes, I am content."
Her voice was low, but inexpressibly mournful.
"I know the crime for which you were committed," said the gentleman, "and have read the case over. Tell me, were you guilty?"
The old woman lifted her eyes slowly, and replied:
"Yes, I was a guilty woman."