Mrs. Lorrimer. It is for them you wish my help?
Dawson. Yes.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [With one sigh, dismisses her disappointment and holds out her hand—crosses to right of table.] It is yours for the asking.
Dawson. Thank you! [Presses her hand.] Mr. Wolton killed himself to escape being convicted of a crime. [Sits left of table.
Mrs. Lorrimer. [Withdraws her hand slowly from his, and whispers in tremulous surprise and horror.] What!!!
Dawson. He had misappropriated funds entrusted to his care,—exposure became inevitable—you know the rest.
Mrs. Lorrimer. But Marion, Mrs. Wolton?
Dawson. They know nothing!
Mrs. Lorrimer. Nothing! [Looks puzzled.] But how—
Dawson. The night of the catastrophe, Fletcher announced his engagement to Marion, and claimed his right to bear a share of the family's trouble. I took him at his word by asking him to come to the rescue of his future wife's name and honour with—money!