“Better lately, sir. I am comfortable enough in the Government office, and now I am helping the commission that is investigating the prison affairs. And you, sir?”
“Oh, I am busy enough, and happy enough. Then it was you I caught sight of in the prison yard a month ago? I thought it was; but it gave me such a chill that I would not look.”
“Why, sir?”
“I was afraid that you had gone backwards, and were there again.”
O’Hara’s hard, care-lined face relaxed, and there was a pleasant smile on his countenance when he spoke again. “I heard about you, sir, in the lines.”
“Indeed!”
“The men talked a good deal about you.”
“Yes?” said Bayle good-humouredly. “I’m afraid they laugh at me and my notions.”
“They do,” said O’Hara thoughtfully. “Poor wretches! But you have made more impression and gained more influence, sir, than you think.”
“I wish I could feel so,” said Bayle with a sigh.