_you_ can come here and ask me that question?"

For a moment silence fell between them, and each could hear the
other's breathing. Then Honoria drew herself up and faced her
honestly, casting out both hands.

"Yes; I _had_ to."

"_You!_ a lady!"

"Ah, but be honest with me! Lady or not, what has that to do with
it? We are two women--that's where it all started, and we're kept to
that."

Lizzie bent her brows. "Yes, you are right," she admitted.

"And," Honoria pursued eagerly, "if I come here to sue you for the
truth--it is you who force me."

"I?"

"By what you said that night, when George--when my husband--was
drowned; when you cursed me. 'A son's a son,' you said, 'though he
was your man.'"

"Did I say that?" Lizzie seemed to muse over the words. "You have
suffered?" she asked.

"Yes, I have suffered."

"Ah, if I thought so! ... But you have not. You are a hypocrite,
Mrs. Vyell; and you are trying to cheat me now. You come here not to
end _that_ suffering, but to force a word from me that'll put joy and
hope into you; that you'll go home hugging to your heart. Oh, I know
you!"

"You do not."

"I do; because I know myself. From a child I've been dirt to your
pride, an item to your money. For years I've lived a shamed woman.
But one thing I bought with it--one little thing. Think the price
high for it--I dessay it is; but I bought and paid for it--and often
when I turn it over in my mind I don't count the price too dear."

"I don't understand."

"You may, if you try. What I bought was the power over you, my proud
lady. While I keep tight lips I have you at the end of a chain.
You come here to-night to break it; one little word and you'll be
free and glad. But no, and no, and no! You may guess till you're
tired--you may be sure in your heart; but it's all no good without
that little word you'll never get from me."

"You _shall_ speak!"

Lizzie shrugged her shoulders and picked up the candle.

"Simme," she said, "you'd best go back to your carriage and horses.
My li'l boy's in the next room, tryin' to sleep; and 'tisn' fit he
heard much of this."

She passed resolutely into the bedroom, leaving her visitor to
darkness. But Honoria, desperate now, pushed after her, scarcely
knowing what she did or meant to do.

"You _shall_ speak!"

The house-door opened and light footsteps came running through the
outer room. It was little George, and he pulled at her skirts.

"Mummy, t