For an instant the convict regarded the raving woman, and then, as if in
answer to her question, with a half nod, his glance rested on 'Lina,
who, too much terrified to speak, had crept near to her affianced
husband, now returning to consciousness. Hugh alone saw the nod, and it
brought him at once to 'Lina, where, with his arm upon her chair, he
stood as if he would protect her. Noble Hugh! 'Lina never knew one-half
how good and generous he was until just as she was losing him.
"Densie," the convict said, trying in vain to shake off the hand which
held him so firmly: "Densie, be calm, and wait, as you see the others
doing. They all, save one, are interested in me."
"But my daughter, my stolen daughter. I'll have her, or your life!" was
Densie's fierce reply.
"Auntie," and Alice glided to Densie's side.
She alone could control that strange being, roused now as she had not
been roused in years. At the sound of her voice, and the touch of her
fingers on her hand, Densie released her hold and suffered herself to
be led to a chair, while Alice knelt beside her.
There was a moment's hesitancy, and his face flushed and paled
alternately ere the convict could summon courage to begin.
"Take this seat, sir, you need it," Hugh said, bringing him a chair and
then resuming his watch over 'Lina, who involuntarily leaned her
throbbing head upon his arm, and with the others listened to that
strange tale of sin.