"I know what will happen to me," said Elizabeth, in a voice of unnatural calmness. "Do you know what this day will bring? Before two hours are gone I shall be driven out of this house, a lost, ruined woman."
"No, no! Grant will forgive you—he loves you so!"
"Does a man ever forgive a wrong like that?"
"But you will say you don't know—I will."
"Are you a baby? Don't you know there will be an exposure—we shall all be questioned—forced to give evidence."
"We will say anything—anything!" cried Elsie.
"We cannot satisfy Grantley Mellen. I tell you, Elsie, this is the last interview we shall ever hold under this roof."
Elsie threw herself down in renewed anguish, shrieking and sobbing so violently that nothing could be done or thought of till she had been restored to composure by the strong remedies Elizabeth administered.
"Promise not to tell that I ever knew of it," she pleaded. "Swear! I'll kill myself if you don't!"
"I have promised," returned Elizabeth, in a hollow voice. "I will bear whatever comes—ruin, death—and bear it alone, you shall not be dragged in."