Heloise wiped her eyes and sniffed.
“He’s got me—so.” She put down her thumb suggestively. “That kind of man doesn’t let up on a woman once she’s in his power. She’s his till doom.”
Gordon shuffled his feet and she stepped back, fear in her face.
“Don’t let him touch me!” she cried in terror.
In another second Diana’s arm was about her.
“Stand back,” she said sternly. “Does he—does he strike you?”
Heloise nodded with just that show of reluctance that was so convincing.
“I’m just black and blue sometimes,” she wept. “He’ll beat me for this, sure. Don’t trouble about me, Miss Ford—I’m naturally worthless. I must stand by Dan to the end of the chapter—heaven help me!”
“You villain!” The girl was in tears too. Gordon was beyond weeping. “But why can’t you leave him?” Diana’s voice was low and vibrant. “Are you married?”
The slow smile that dawned on the sad face told its own black story.