"Yes. I thought at the time that your indifference was a little remarkable," Mr. Maddison said quietly. The positions between them were entirely reversed. It was Sir Allan Beaumerville now who was placing a great restraint upon himself, and Mr. Maddison who was collected and at his ease.
"I was taken by surprise," Sir Allan continued. "Since you left me I have been picturing all manner of horrible things. Have you fully realized that you may be arrested at any moment on this frightful charge?"
"I have fully realized it," Mr. Maddison answered calmly. "In fact, when the porter told me that a gentleman wished to see me, I imagined at once that it had come."
"And have you considered, too," Sir Allan continued, "how overwhelming the evidence is against you?"
"I have considered it."
"Then why do you linger here for one moment? Why don't you escape while you have the chance?"
"Why should I?" Mr. Maddison answered. "I shall make no attempt to escape."
Sir Allan's face grew a shade more pallid, and betrayed an agitation which he strove in vain to conceal.
"But supposing you are arrested," he said quickly, "everything will go against you. What shall you do?"
"I shall accept my fate, whatever it may be," was the quiet reply. "I prefer this to flight. Life would not be very valuable to me as a skulking criminal in a foreign country. If it be declared forfeit to the law, the law shall have it."