"He naturally believes her to be innocent."
"Because he defends her?"
"Because she is his future wife."
Prelice looked startled. "Oh, Jerusalem! And if he proves her innocence he'll marry her, I suppose."
"As she is her uncle's heiress, and Mr. Shepworth is poor, I presume he will. Ten thousand a year is not to be despised."
"But a wife with such a past," protested the young man. "Ugh! Did Miss Chent murder her uncle to get the money?"
"She didn't murder him at all. Look at the facts of the case——"
"I shall be delighted to, if you will place them before me."
"You ought to know all about them," said Lady Sophia, rising impatiently; "everyone has been talking about the case for the last month;—ever since Mona Chent was arrested, in fact."
"Ah, but you see I have only just arrived in London. I shall go to my club and get posted up in the latest scandal."