'I grant that appearances are much against me; but I have told the
truth. Seldom since coming here have I indulged so freely &a you saw
me do last night. But even last night I had full control of my
reason.'

'Ah! brandy is accursed stuff, my poor girl. Shun it as you would a
deadly poison. I perceive by your face that your drinking habit is a
stronger one than you yourself suppose. I have therefore a favour to
ask. It is this: that whatever comes, you drink no more spirits.'

She looked into his face, and the tears started to her eyes.

'Oh! this indeed is something that I had never expected. It is like
a voice speaking out of the tomb of Hope. But what would be the use
of this unless you have some hope for my future. I have none. Have
you, oh! _have_ you any hope for me?' Her voice was piteous,
passionate, pleading.

'And why should I not hope for you? I cannot see that you have been
an accomplice in the crimes of these horrible people. A victim you
are, and naught else that I can see. Of course it cannot hut seem
strange, inexplicable indeed, that you should so mutely accept your
doom; that you have never made any attempt at escape.'

'Because I was afraid. They have often told me that _voluntary
residence_ among them makes me criminal equally with themselves.
And oh, I was afraid to face the world's pure and honest face. How
could I? to think what I have lived through, all that I have seen,
these fearful years.' And she put her hands upon her beating temples.