"I think Beatrix would do it."
"Perhaps. At least, though, she ought to have the right to choose for herself."
Once more Miss Gannion mastered herself.
"I am not sure. You make the alternatives certain ruin and possible salvation. I should cling to the chance."
"And take the responsibility of silence?"
"It is a responsibility; but I should assume it for the present. What we should say to her could never be unsaid. It might do good; it might do terrible harm. It is possible that the truth may come to her in some other way. I should certainly prefer that it might."
He bent over the fire for a moment. Then he straightened up and threw back his shoulders, like a man relieved of the burden of a heavy load.
"Then that is your final advice?" he asked slowly.
She made answer just as slowly,—
"Mr. Thayer, I am growing older than I used to be, and things don't look quite so plain to me as they did once. Motives mix themselves more, and I am not so ready to put my finger on my neighbor's nerve. If I were in your place, I—rather think I should say my prayers, and then wait."