"But, Imogene——"
"Hush! don't argue. 'Tis a matter of life and death, I tell you. He must be released! I know," she went on, hurriedly, "what it is you want to say. You think you cannot do this; that the evidence is all against him; that he went to prison of his own free will and cannot hope for release till his guilt or innocence has been properly inquired into. But I know you can effect his enlargement if you will. You are a lawyer, and understand all the crooks and turns by which a man can sometimes be made to evade the grasp of justice. Use your knowledge. Avail yourself of your influence with the authorities, and I——" she paused and gave him a long, long look.
He was at her side in an instant.
"You would—what?" he cried, taking her hand in his and pressing it impulsively.
"I would grant you whatever you ask," she murmured, in a weariful tone.
"Would you be my wife?" he passionately inquired.
"Yes," was the choked reply; "if I did not die first."
He caught her to his breast in rapture. He knelt at her side and threw his arms about her waist.
"You shall not die," he cried. "You shall live and be happy. Only marry me to-day."
"Not till Gouverneur Hildreth be released," she interposed, gently.