"I cannot!"
"My God!" he said, in a hoarse whisper, "is it true?"
"I cannot answer you."
Roger felt the room spin round him, and, reeling back, caught at a chair for support, while he gazed with horror-filled eyes at the woman he loved, standing there so rigid and speechless.
"Judith, you do not mean what you say," he cried entreatingly, "you cannot understand. Judas says you murdered Melstane. He can prove it, he says, by the handkerchief. He has told Fanks, who is a detective. You are in danger. I cannot save you. Great Heaven! if you have any pity for me—if you have any pity for yourself, speak and give the lie to this foul accusation."
"I cannot, I tell you, Roger, I cannot!"
"You are innocent!"
"I cannot say."
"Are you guilty?"
"I cannot say."