In that moment Helen hated Lily. "Is it Miriam you're hinting at?" she asked on a high note.
"Yes, it is. You're making me feel mean, but I'm glad I've told you. It's worried me, and John—I didn't like to tell John, for he has a grudge against the man, and he might have made trouble before he need."
"I think that's what you're doing," Helen said.
"That may be. I took the risk. I know George Halkett. Miriam, having a bit of fun, might find herself landed in a mess. I'm sorry, Helen. I hope I'm wrong."
Helen was half ashamed to hear herself asking, "How late was it?"
"About twelve."
"But I'm awake half the night. I should have heard. Besides—would there be any harm?"
"Just as much as there is in playing with fire," Lily said.
"'Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth,'" Helen said, looking at the ground.
"Yes, but there's more than a little fire in Miriam, and George Halkett's a man, you know."