"Pray how long have you been here?"
"I have lost count of the long weary days and the anxious nights. Oh, sir, be you whom you may, do not sport with me, for I am very—very wretched!"
"If I could but be sure that you are a victim of the woman who lives above," said Sir Richard.
"Sure that I am a victim? Oh, God, you suspect me of being her accomplice. Well, well, it is but natural, finding me here—I ought to expect as much. What can I say—what can I do to convince you of the contrary?"
"Reveal all."
"Do you not know then that—that—"
"That what? I may suspect much, but I know nothing."
"Then—then—"
The man's voice sunk to a husky whisper, and when he had spoken a few words there was a death-like silence between him and Sir Richard Blunt. The latter at length said—
"And you affirm this?"