"I suppose that if the inquiry goes against them, legal steps will be taken," said Brett.
"Legal steps? What legal steps?"
Brett hesitated, asking himself whether he should be justified in telling her what he expected as well as what he knew.
"Well—" he continued at last, "you know in such cases the injured parties appeal to the law. But it is of no use to talk about that until you know the result of the inquiry."
"Do you mean, do you really mean that John may be arrested?" asked Mrs. Darche, turning pale.
"At any moment."
Brett answered in a low voice. Almost as soon as he had spoken he left her side and crossed the room as though not wishing to be a witness to the effect the news must have upon her. Before his back was turned she sank into a chair and covered her face with her hands. A long pause followed. Marion was the first to speak.
"Mr. Brett—" she said, and stopped.
"Yes." He came back to her side at once.
"Can you not help me?" she asked earnestly.