“Let us go away!” cried the Beaubien, starting up.
“Flee from our problems?” returned the girl. “But they would follow. No, we will stay and meet them, right here!”
The Beaubien’s hand shook as she clasped Carmen’s. “I can’t turn to Kane, nor to Fitch, nor Weston. They are all afraid of him. I’ve ruined Gannette myself––for him! I’ve ruined Mrs. Hawley-Crowles––”
“Mrs. Hawley-Crowles!” exclaimed Carmen, rising.
“Oh, don’t, don’t!” sobbed the suffering woman, clinging to the girl.
“But––how did you do that?”
“I lent her money––took her notes––which I sold again to Mr. Ames.”
“Well, you can buy them back, can’t you? And return the money to her?”
“I can’t! I’ve tried! He refuses to sell them!”
“Then give her your own money.”