"I want you to answer me a few questions," said Lord Arleigh--"and very much depends on them. To begin, tell me, were you innocent or guilty of the crime for which you are suffering? Is your punishment deserved or not?"
"Well," replied Henry Dornham, with a sullen frown, "I can just say this--it is well there are strong bars between us; if there were not you would not live to ask such another question."
"Will you answer me?" said Lord Arleigh, gently.
"No, I will not--why should I? You belong to a class I hate and detest--a class of tyrants and oppressors."
"Why should you? I will tell you in a few words. I am interested in the fate of your wife and daughter."
"My what?" cried the convict, with a look of wonder.
"Your wife and daughter," said Lord Arleigh.
"My daughter!" exclaimed the man. "Good Heaven! Oh, I see! Well, go on. You are interested in my wife and daughter--what else?"
"There is one thing I can do which would not only be of material benefit to them, but would make your daughter very happy. It cannot be done unless we can prove your innocence."
"Poor little Madaline," said the convict, quietly--"poor, pretty little girl!"