"I try to excuse myself on that ground," he said, "but it won't work. I violated my oath as a lawyer, my integrity as a man, my honor, my self-respect, all upset, all gone. I've been a very unpleasant companion for myself lately." Rising impatiently, he strode up and down the room. Then turning on her, he said angrily: "But I'll have no more lies. That's what brings me here this morning. The first move they make against you and I'll tell the whole truth!"
Annie gazed pensively out of the window without making reply.
"Did you hear?" he said, raising his voice. "I shall let the world know that you sacrificed yourself for that woman."
She turned and shook her head.
"No, judge," she said, "I do not wish it. If they do succeed in influencing Howard to bring a suit against me I shall not defend it."
Judge Brewster was not a patient man, and if there was anything that angered him it was rank injustice. He had no patience with this young woman who allowed herself to be trampled on in this outrageous way. Yet he could not be angry with her. She had qualities which compelled his admiration and respect, and not the least of these was her willingness to shield others at her own expense.
"Perhaps not," he retorted, "but I will. It's unjust, it's unrighteous, it's impossible!"
"But you don't understand," she said gently; "I am to blame."
"You're too ready to blame yourself," he said testily.
Annie went up to him and laid her hand affectionately on his shoulder. With tears in her eyes, she said: