I got the drink, but I never saw Adelaide again till I saw her in her coffin." This blunt denial of the crime for which he stood there arraigned, fell on my heart with a weight which showed me how inextinguishable is the hope we cherish deep down under all surface convictions.

I had been unconscious of this hope, but it was there.

It seemed to die a double death at these words.

For I believed him! Courage is needed for a lie.
There were no signs visible in him, as yet, of his having drawn upon this last resource of the despairing.

I should know it when he did; he could not hide the subtle change from me.
To others, this declaration came with greater or less force, according as it was viewed in the light of a dramatic trick of Mr.Moffat's, or as the natural outburst of a man fighting for his life in his own way and with his own weapons.