"Father, I believe you were beside yourself with your troubles, and that you were going to take those jewels when you were interrupted, and, in a fit of madness, did this deed to save yourself and children from disgrace." "Claire, Claire," groaned the old man, "if you--if you only could have believed in me, I could have borne all, but you turn from me. Will you not believe in me? Have you not realised my self-sacrifice?" "Oh, father, what can I say--what can I do?" cried Claire. "Do you not see my position? Can I think of my poor brother now as the guilty man?" "No," he said, taking her in his arms, and trying to soothe her in her agonised grief; "it is too much to ask you, my child. It is too much for such a one as you to be called upon to even think of. I will not press you, Claire; neither will I ask you to forgive me. I could not do that now. Only try to think of me as innocent. I ask you once more, my darling; I ask you once more." Claire threw her arms round his neck and drew his head down to her bosom. "I am your child," she whispered softly. "Father dear, good-bye-- good-bye." "So soon?" muttered Denville. "Yes; good-bye--good-bye." He held her hand till she was half through the door; and then, as it was closed, he tottered back to his seat, and once more sank down to bury his face within his hands. Volume Three, Chapter XXI. FROM PRISON TO PRISON. "Morton," said Claire hoarsely, as she returned to where her brother was waiting, "are you still strong at heart?" "Strong? Yes," he cried. "What do you want me to do?" "Take me to Fred." The young officer started, but he drew a long breath and rose erect. "Come along," he said. "Colonel Lascelles will give me an order to see him. But, Claire darling, can you bear to meet him now?" "My own brother? Morton, could I stay away from you if sickness or a wound had laid you low?" "Come," he said abruptly; and, taking her arm, he led her along the parade on their way towards the barracks. Before they had gone far Morton's cheeks flushed, for he saw Lord Carboro' approaching, and he felt ready to turn out of the way. "He will cut us dead," thought Morton. "We are disgraced for ever." To his surprise, as they drew near, Lord Carboro' took off his hat, and held it in his hand, bowing low to Claire as she passed him. Fifty yards further they encountered Richard Linnell and Mellersh, who, without having seen Lord Carboro's act, imitated it exactly, and drew aside to let them pass. Morton felt his heart throb with pleasure. He had expected those who knew them to treat them slightingly, and his sister was being treated with the deference due to a queen, while he was receiving respect such as had never been paid to him before.