“I have lost everything,” she cried, “everything save you. And I will not give you up!”
“Mrs. Irwin!” cried a voice of horror at this moment, “can it be possible?”
Edith got up hurriedly.
Mrs. Kennedy and her daughter had entered unobserved. They had witnessed the singular situation with utter astonishment and heard Edith’s last words.
“Good Heavens, can it be possible?” stammered the worthy lady; then, turning to her daughter, she added, “Go, my child.”
Edith Irwin had quickly recovered her composure. Standing up, her head proudly raised, she faced the indignant lady.
“I beg you to remember, Mrs. Kennedy, that no one should pass judgment without knowing the real state of things.”
“I think what I have seen needs no explanation.”
“If there is anything blameworthy in it, I alone am responsible,” interposed Heideck. “Spare me a few minutes in private, Mrs. Kennedy, and I will convince you that no blame attaches to Mrs. Irwin.”
“I want no one to defend me or intercede for me!” cried Edith passionately. “Why should we any longer conceal our love? This man, Mrs. Kennedy, has saved my life and honour more than once, and it is no humiliation for me to go on my knees before him.”