"That is not true," said Beatrice, closing her eyes with horror.
"It is true. I can prove it."
"Why did you not do so twenty-five years ago?"
"Because your mother was my friend."
"Mrs. Snow"--Beatrice opened her eyes, and leaned across the table--"you were never my mother's friend."
The woman moved uneasily, and her hands were restless. "Had I not been so, your mother would have stood in the dock."
"Ah! you had your own reason for keeping quiet."
"Do you mean to accuse me of being her accomplice?" said Mrs. Snow, rising, and scowling.
"Sit down, please." Beatrice pushed her back into the chair.
"How dare you!" gasped Mrs. Snow. "I was never treated before so in the whole course of my life!" And she made to rise again.