~Jasper.~ Let's have a little light on you. (_Brutally._) Now then, my man, what have you got to say for yourself? Ha! An escaped convict, eh? ~Dick~ (_to himself, in amazement_). Jasper Beeste! ~Jasper.~ So you know my name? ~Dick~ (_in the tones of a man whose whole life has been blighted by the machinations of a false friend_). Yes, Jasper Beeste, I know your name. For two years I have said it to myself every night, when I prayed Heaven that I should meet you again. ~Jasper.~ Again? (_Uneasily._) We have met before? ~Dick~ (_slowly_). We have met before, Jasper Beeste. Since then I have lived a lifetime of misery. You may well fail to recognise me. _Enter_ Millicent Wilsdon_--in a dressing gown, with her hair over her shoulders, if the county will stand it._ ~Millicent~ (_to Jasper_). I couldn't sleep--I heard a noise--I--(_suddenly seeing the other_) Dick! (_She trembles._) ~Dick.~ Millicent! (_He trembles too._) ~Jasper.~ Trayle! (_So does he._) ~Dick~ (_bitterly_). You shrink from me, Millicent. (_With strong common sense._) What is an escaped convict to the beautiful Miss Wilsdon? ~Millicent.~ Dick--I--you--when you were sentenced---- ~Dick.~ When I was sentenced--the evidence was black against me, I admit--I wrote and released you from your engagement. You are married now? ~Millicent~ (_throwing herself on a sofa_). Oh, Dick! ~Jasper~ (_recovering himself_). Enough of this. Miss Wilsdon is going to marry me to-morrow. ~Dick.~ To marry _you_! (_He strides over to sofa and pulls Millicent to her feet._) Millicent, look me in the eyes! Do you love him? (_She turns away._) Say "Yes" and I will go back quietly to my prison. (_She raises her eyes to his._) Ha! I thought so! You don't love him! Now then I can speak. ~Jasper~ (_advancing threateningly_). Yes, to your friends, the warders. Millicent, ring the bell. ~Dick~ (_wresting the revolver from his grasp_). Ha, would you? Now stand over there and listen to me. (_He arranges his audience,_ Millicent _on a sofa on the right, Jasper, biting his finger nails, on the left._) Three years ago Lady Wilsdon's diamond necklace was stolen. My flat was searched and the necklace was found in my hatbox. Although I protested my innocence I was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to ten years' penal servitude, followed by fifteen years' police supervision. ~Millicent~ (_raising herself on the sofa_). Dick, you were innocent--I know it. (_She flops back again._)