There was silence for some minutes, and then Sir Vane asked:
"Tell me, Pauline—do you think that Lady Darrell would marry him if she knew what you have just told me?"
"I am sure she would not. She is very worldly, and only lives what one may call a life of appearances; she would not marry him if she knew him to be a thief—she would shrink from him. Elegant, polished, amiable women like Lady Darrell are frightened at crime."
"That one word ought to have been spoken, Pauline, out of sheer womanly pity and sheer womanly grace. How could you refuse to speak when she came to you with a prayer on her lips?"
"The pride and thirst for vengeance were too strong for me," she replied.
"And to these you have sacrificed the life and happiness of a woman who has never really injured you. Lady Darrell and Captain Langton are not yet married—are they, Pauline?"
"No, they are to be married in the spring," she answered.
"Then listen to me, my darling. This marriage must never take place. Your silence is wicked—you cannot honorably and conscientiously stand by and see Lady Darrell throw herself away on a thief. You have done a grievous wrong, Pauline. You must make a noble atonement."
Something like a gleam of hope came into her eyes.
"Can I atone?" she asked. "I will do so if I know how, even at the price of my life."