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.