"I have lived a hundred," faltered Mrs. Grey.
"Why, mamma! you don't mean that you believe any of these lies?" demanded Laura, amazed.
"Oh, I don't know what I believe. I am stunned."
"Frank Grey accused of crime? Frank Grey under arrest? I don't believe a word about it!" cried Laura. "He is utterly incapable of anything wrong!"
"Don't say that, my child. We are all capable of every thing wrong if left to ourselves. Try to think for me. I am so bewildered. Oh, I have been too proud of that boy. And I have been too cold and unsympathizing towards distracted parents. I needed this blow. When does the next train leave?"
"At 10.40. Yes, of course you must go," said Laura, overawed by her mother's anguish. "And Mary must go too, you are in no state to travel alone."
Mrs. Grey made no remonstrance; for the first time in her life, she became passive in the hands of others, and let them act for her.
"Mamma, you weren't like this when darling Maud died," said Laura.
"When darling Maud died," repeated Mrs. Grey, dreamily. Then after silent reflection she said, "Maud died; yes, but Maud was not accused of crime. To lay away a lovely child in the grave is nothing—nothing, by the side of this horror."
"Such a man as Frank can live down disgrace," said Laura.