"It is only to die," she muttered; "only to die."
"Will you speak; will you confess? Tell me how you murdered it?"
"There was no murder."
"But you buried it; you and this fiend who shared your guilt? Speak that man's name; I will have it, and from your lips. But, oh, if you have degraded my sister with this secret; if you have blighted her innocence with a knowledge of your guilt——"
"Stop," she broke in; "stop! do not speak of her."
Even in that moment some recollections came upon her, and her face fell forward, bowed down to her marble bosom.
"Elsie knows nothing," she said; "for her sake spare me."
"If you wish to escape having your shame dragged before the whole world, tell me the truth."
"For her sake, for Elsie's, have mercy! I don't expect it—but, remember, disgrace to me reflects not only on you but her! Think of that—don't blight her whole future in crushing me!"
"I left her in your hands—she has been living in daily intercourse with you—you have stained her lips with your kisses—degraded her by your affection."