So you would give a small fortune to clear me, eh?" he
interrogated.
"Yes," was the brief reply.
The man looked keenly at him.
"Then you must indeed have a strong motive. It is not for my own sake, I
suppose?" A new idea occurred to him. A sudden smile curled his lip. "I
have it!" he said. "You are in love with my--with pretty little
Madaline, and you want to marry her! If you could make me out innocent,
you would marry her; if you cannot--what then? Am I right?"
All the pride of his nature rose in rebellion against this coarse
speech. He, an Arleigh of Beechgrove, to hear this reprobate sneering at
his love! His first impulse was an angry one, but he controlled himself.
After all, it was Madaline's father--for Madaline's sake he would be
patient.
"Am I right?" the prisoner repeated, with the same mocking smile.
"No," replied Lord Arleigh, "you are not right. There is no need for me
to offer any explanation, and, as I have failed in my object, I will
go."
"You might just as well tell me if you are in love with my little
Madaline. I might make it worth your while to let me know."
It was with great difficulty that Lord Arleigh controlled his
indignation; but he replied, calmly:
"I have nothing to tell you.
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