“A strong nature. And a most capable mind. I was impressed today by his marvelous faculty of making other people see things as he does.”
“Yes,” and Avice sighed. “He can do that. It is that power that I am banking on in his conduct of the trial.”
CHAPTER XXII
JUDGE HOYT’S PLAN
As soon as possible, Avice went to see Landon again, and to tell him what Fleming Stone had said. Though she was not allowed to see him alone, the warden had deep sympathy for the lovers, as he had discovered they were, and he sat as far away from them as possible, apparently immersed in a most engrossing newspaper.
Knowing of his sympathy, Avice promptly forgot his presence, and under the spell of her beauty and love, Landon did likewise.
“And you will be more—more humble, won’t you?” she was saying as hands clasped in hands, they read each other’s eyes.
“Humble! Avice, you’re crazy! Humble? I rather guess not! I didn’t kill Uncle Rowland, and, if they say I did, let them prove it, that’s all. Why, dear, they can’t prove a thing that isn’t so!”
“Do you know, Kane, this is the first time you’ve ever said to me that it isn’t so!” Avice’s eyes were gleaming with joy at the assurance.
“Because, oh, darling, because it hurt me so to have you harbor even a glimmer of doubt! How could you, dearest? Eleanor didn’t.”
“Didn’t she?” Avice showed a flash of jealousy. “What is she to you, Kane?”