“It’s hard, Maclean, but if your view is the right one, if the girl is absolutely innocent of any wrong-doing, she’ll come through all right. I’m a firm believer in the old saying that ‘Truth will out—even in an affidavit!’ And now we’d better have her in, for I must give her that message from poor Garlett.”
He left the room, and a moment later returned with Jean Bower.
“I had a talk with Mr. Garlett this morning, and he asked me to tell you that he hopes you will make no effort to see him while he is in prison, Miss Bower.”
As a look of deep unhappiness flooded her quivering face, he added hastily:
“I’m sure he is acting in the wisest, as well as in the kindest, way for both of you. Though I should not have suggested his message, I heartily approve of his having sent it.”
“Shall I be able to write to him freely? Or will our letters be read?” she asked.
“I’m afraid that your letters will all be perused by the governor. Mr. Garlett is allowed to communicate with me, as his legal adviser, quite privately, and I think it possible that Dr. Maclean may be allowed to see him alone. But with regard to you—well, I doubt if even a wife’s letters are given unopened to a prisoner.”
“I see,” said the girl dully.
“But that must not prevent your writing him cheerful letters,” went on the solicitor. “The great thing you’ve got to do is to keep up the man’s spirits. Your uncle here tells me that you are absolutely convinced of Mr. Garlett’s innocence?”
She was too choked with tears to do more than nod.