"I can't go--I can't look at them! And then the crowd would stare so! Oh, Raymond, the crowd is the worst of all! Hundreds of eyes boring one through and through! I can't stand that!"
"You'll not have to stand that, Margaret. But go to sleep, do! It will do you a world of good," and he smoothed down her hair fondly.
"No, I've slept enough--I want to talk. Oh, I am not afraid to talk now," she added, sitting up. "I thought it all out while I was sleeping. Isn't it funny that one can think a thing out in one's sleep? And it's so very clear now--as clear as crystal--and it was so dark and muddled before. Will they give me a trial?"
He started in spite of himself. "Please don't think of that now, Margaret, I beg of you. Lie down and try to sleep. I have sent for another doctor, a specialist. He will be here soon."
"A specialist? How can he help me? You hired that Mr. Adam Adams but he has deserted me. But then--but then--he must have learned the truth!" She gave a sob and buried her face in her hands. "Yes, he must have learned the truth!"
"Margaret, do keep quiet, please!" he pleaded. "You need rest, you must have rest."
"No, I want to talk, to tell you something, Raymond. I--I want you to go away."
"Yes, away--you mustn't come near me any more. You are innocent and it isn't right that you should suffer with me. You must go away and forget me."
"I'll never do that. You mustn't even dream of such a thing. We are going to get you well, and we are going to prove your innocence to the world."
"My innocence? Oh, Raymond, don't speak so--it cuts me like a knife!"
"Yes, yes, I know--you are so good-hearted, so true! But haven't I told you? Must I go over it again? The ring, the blood--"
"And that note, and the quarrels, and all. Didn't they prove that I was guilty? Yes, they proved it, and I must--must-- Will they hang me or electrocute me? I wonder how it feels to be hung or electrocuted?" She gave a hollow, bitter laugh. "I'll soon know, I suppose!" And then she fell back on her pillow exhausted.
The nurse had been aroused by the talking and stood in the doorway. She gazed questioningly at the young man.
"No, she roused up and insisted upon talking."
"She ought to be kept quiet. I'll give her another powder."
