“But why is it used?”
“Because, Annella, if the friends of the condemned were allowed to visit them in private, they might bring them the means of escape.”
At this moment Annella became very pale, and gave an hysterical sob.
“Or,” continued Eudora, “what is worse, they might bring them some instrument of self-destruction, for many a prisoner would gladly seek death in the cell rather than meet the shame and anguish of—”
Her voice choked, and she shuddered throughout her frame.
“But, would you—would you, Eudora?” questioned the girl, in an eager whisper.
“I should not dread death so much if I could meet it here in my bed—even here in prison, and alone—but I would not seek it, Annella. I would never commit crime to escape suffering.”
“Hish! can that woman hear me when I speak as low as this?” whispered Annella, close to the ear of Eudora.
“Yes, every syllable. The round stone walls of this little cell seem formed to echo every sound. She hears even this reply.”
“I wish she was hung, and I don’t care if she hears that.”