"Oh, you cruel, wicked creature!" sobbed Elsie. "Oh, oh! I'll kill myself if you talk so to me; I'll go to Grant; I'll—"
"Hush!" interrupted Elizabeth. "There—I will say no more! I don't blame you—remember that! Whatever comes, I won't blame you for this new danger."
"Oh, you good, unselfish darling!" cried Elsie, drying her tears at once.
She made a step forward as if to throw her arms about her sister, but Elizabeth retreated.
"Don't touch me," she said, faintly; "don't touch me!"
"Should I poison you?" cried Elsie, angrily. "One would think I was some dreadful reptile."
"No, no; don't be angry! I need all my strength! Let me alone, Elsie; don't speak to me."
"The carriage is at the door," said Elsie, "and Mrs. Harrington is waiting; for mercy's sake don't let her think anything is wrong. I am going to find Grant; wait here."
She ran out of the room, and Elizabeth stood thinking over her words.
Very soon perhaps the whole world would know that she was a lost, ruined woman, without a home, a friend, or even a name.