Durham groaned. "She will never give up her son!"
"How can she help it? After you are married there will be no choice."
"No—but there is one now."
"Now?" She sprang to her feet, clasping her hands in dismay. "Haven't I made it clear to you? Haven't I shown you your course?" She paused, and then brought out with emphasis: "I love Fanny, and I am ready to trust her happiness to you."
"I shall have nothing to do with her happiness," he repeated doggedly.
She stood close to him, with a look intently fixed on his face. "Are you afraid?" she asked with one of her mocking flashes.
"Afraid?"
"Of not being able to make it up to her—?"
Their eyes met, and he returned her look steadily.
"No; if I had the chance, I believe I could."