And then and there, in her presence, the story of her unequaled wrongs was told by the lawyer to her old pastor, who listened with an amazed, horrified, scandalized expression.
“Why, this sinner is a subject for the State prison!”
“He deserves it,” assented the lawyer.
“Oh, my poor Roma! My dear child!” sighed the old minister, taking her hand.
Roma winced. She hated to be pitied, even by her kind-hearted pastor.
“The only way in which the wretch can hurt me is by his false, unscrupulous tongue. He will tell every one who will listen to him that he married me, while I am known to be living here as a single woman. This will cause humiliating gossip. People always get facts distorted in cases like this, out of the routine of life. Questions will be asked and answered recklessly. There will have been something irregular, if not disreputable, in the matter. Was she married, or not married? will be asked. To which was she married? To whom ought she to have been married? Such questions, relative to a woman, right or wrong, just or unjust, reasonable or unreasonable, must always be damaging. Curiosity investigates without justice; thoughtlessness perverts, and malice distorts. I must be prepared to meet all this,” concluded Roma, with a profound sigh.
“My dear child,” said Dr. Shaw, “give me your authority to tell your whole story from beginning to end, without any concealments from your friends and neighbors, and believe me, Roma, it will meet with nothing but full confidence, sympathy and admiration. Come; shall I do this?”
“Use your own excellent judgment, dear Dr. Shaw, and accept my heartfelt thanks. Already you have inspired me with courage,” said Roma, brightening.
Here Lawyer Merritt laughed.
“The idea of any one inspiring you with courage, my royal Amazon! You, who have displayed courage and heroism under trials that must have daunted the bravest,” he said.