Miss Williams gave a quick glance at her face, making the girl blush.
“Yes, but, well, people have seen her going in and out of his house since, and late, very late in the evening. I should not have told you these things, only they must make a difference in the way one looks upon people.”
“From your manner towards Mr. Vernon Brander, I shouldn’t have thought they made any difference,” said Olivia, who was much excited.
“Ah, that is the privilege of being an old maid,” answered Miss Williams, very quietly. “I can do without fear what a young girl cannot do—make friends with a black sheep.”
Olivia started. “Do you think he is guilty, then?” she asked in a startled whisper.
Miss Williams, who had risen, looked very grave.
“Of the other charge? I don’t know. I would give my right hand to know that it was not so. For I am so much interested in him—I may even say, so fond of him. I know, from what he has told me, that his inner life is one long storm, one long struggle. But, why doesn’t he clear himself if he can? To an old friend like me three words would be enough.”
“Then you believe——”
“Why does he accept the position? Why does he come to me, and ask me to do what I can to help you in your loneliness?”
Olivia looked up.