Page:Henry Northcote (IA henrynorthcote00snairich).pdf/194

 "I would say," Northcote rejoined, with a shudder, "that to be armed for this calling each particular nerve he has got in his body must be shod with iron."

The solicitor laughed at so palpable a discomposure.

"What did you make of the prisoner?" he asked, suddenly. "You appeared to find a great deal to say to one another."

"Personally I hardly spoke a word to her," said the young man, seeking to gather his recollection of that strange interview.

"She appeared to find a good deal to say to you," said the solicitor. "In that respect you have been more fortunate than myself. I have spoken with her three times, and I don't think I have been able to extract three words from her. Do you mind telling me what she said?"

"To the best of my remembrance she said nothing that could have the least interest for anybody."

"Tell me, what impression of her have you brought away?"

"I hardly know whether she allowed me to form one. Our communication seemed so indirect. She kept her face in the shadow all the time; I could not discern a feature."

"Surely you were able to gather some sort of general idea?"

"That is the strange thing—I seem to have formed no opinion about her. One would not have thought it conceivable that one should have conversed with a person, dealt at least in an actual exchange of words at close quarters, and that they should remain so null. I think I should have been