e, could have been
pardoned. In a few days she had learnt more of herself and of the world
than in all the previous years. She understood that Northway was really
nothing to her. She accepted him because he was the first man who
interested her and made love to her--like thousands of girls. Lilian is
rather weak, unfortunately. She can't stand by herself. But for me, I
am convinced she would now be at the mercy of the blackguard, when he
comes out. Horror and despair enabled her to act firmly three years
ago; but if she had no one to support her--well, she has!"

"What did you propose," asked Glazzard, "when you persuaded her to live
with you?"

Denzil wrinkled his brow and looked gloomily at the fire.

"We agreed to live a life of our own, that was all. To tell you the
truth, Glazzard, I had no clear plans. I was desperately in love,
and--well, I thought of emigration some day. You know me too well to
doubt my honesty. Lilian became my wife, for good and all--no doubt
about that! But I didn't trouble much about the future--it's my way."

"She cut herself loose from the Bristol people?"

"No; she has corresponded with them at long intervals. They think she
is teaching in London. The tragedy excuses her from visiting them. Aunt
and sister are sworn to secrecy concerning her whereabouts. A good
thing she has no male relatives to hunt her up."

"Does she draw her income?--I beg your pardon, the question escaped me.
Of course it's no business of mine."

"Never mind. Yes, the money is at her disposal; thanks to the
settlement required by her father's will. I'm afraid she gives away a
lot of it in indiscriminate charity. I needn't say," he added, with a
characteristic movement of the head, "that I have nothing to do with
it."

He paused.

"My real position she doesn't understand. I have never told her of how
it was changed at my father's death.--Poor girl! About that time she
was disappointed of a child, and had a month or two of black misery. I
kept trying to make up my mind what course would be the wisest, and in
the meanwhile said nothing. She is marvellously patient. In fact, what
virtue hasn't she, except that of a strong will? Whatever happens, she
and I stand together; nothing on earth would induce me to part from
her! I want you to understand that. In what I am now going to do, I am
led solely and absolutely by desire for our common good. You see, we
are face to face with the world's immoral morality. To bra