Konrad did not know that he owed this room to special kindness.

The scanty light from above had been a comfort, almost a promise, all the weary weeks: "They will send you a free man out into the sunshine!" By slow degrees that hope was extinguished in his lonely soul.

And to-day?
The little bit of reflection was a mockery to him.

He wanted no more twilight.

Daylight was gone for ever--he longed for darkness.