'He was captured while I was there.' Mrs. Hardy told her son the story of Shine's arrest, and Harry sat with set teeth and eyes intent for some minutes after she had finished.
'My boy,' his mother said, placing a hand upon his shoulder, 'this does not seem to please you.
His head fell a little, and he opened and clenched again the strong hands gripped between his knees.
'And yet,' she continued, 'it confirms your suspicions. It may mean the assertion of Frank's innocence.'
'I love her!' he said with some passion.
His mother was greatly startled, and stood for a moment regarding him with an expression of deep feeling.
'You love her—his daughter?'
'With all my heart, mother.'
'Since when?'
'I don't know. Since that Sunday in the chapel, I believe.'