"You do not believe him guilty, father?" she repeated.
"Don't you?" And there was something eager in his voice as he uttered the words.
"Why, father, how could he be? It is madness to suppose such a thing!"
"I cannot discuss it with you," he said; and his voice was almost harsh. "Go to bed, my child. Good-night."
She looked at him searchingly, and for the first time in her life she felt almost afraid of him. His face was drawn and haggard, and in his eyes was a look she never saw before.
"You do not believe him guilty, do you?"
"My God, I don't know," he replied hoarsely. "I would give—I would give——" And then he ceased speaking.
"I tell you he's innocent," replied the girl. "And I am going to——"
But Judge Bolitho did not hear her. "Go to bed—go to bed!" he said; and taking her by the arm he led her from the room, and, closing the door, turned the key. A moment later he had unlocked the door and called her back.
"What is that you said about—about something you were going to do?" he asked.