Manuel looked at her,--she bore his scrutiny with composure,--then
he came to the table, sat down, and broke his bread, before he
answered this bold speaking.

"Yes," said he, at length. "An honorable man is bound to keep his
honor clean. Mine has been blackened by some false accusation. I owe
it to all who ever believed in me to clear it, if I can."

"And besides, your home is there."

"Yes."

"Oh, if you would only tell me about it! I don't want to know for
anybody else,--only for you. Did you leave many behind, that--that
loved you, Mr. Manuel?"

"Yes," said the prisoner,--but he said no more.

This answer was sufficient; with it Elizabeth walked away from the
table where he sat, and took her stand by the window. By-and-by she
said, speaking low, but with firm accent,--

"I am sorry I asked you anything about it; but I will never speak of
it again. I heard it was for religion; but I know you could not hurt
the Truth. They said you fought against the Church. Then I believe
the Church was wrong. I am not afraid to say it. I want you to
understand. Of course I cannot do anything for you; only I was so in
hopes that I could! You must not be angry with me, Sir, for hoping
that."