"No, you are not. What makes you say that?"
"She told me I was."
"Who? Miss Dabney?"
Her nod was affirmative, and he went on: "Tell me just what she said; word for word, if you can remember."
The answer came brokenly.
"I was ashamed—you don't believe hit, but hit's so. I allowed it was her money. When I made out like I'd run off, she said, 'No; it's his money 'at's bein' spent for you, and you have a right to it.'"
Tom was silent for a time; then he said the other necessary word.
"She believes I am the man who wronged you, Nan. It was my money."
The woman half rose and then sat down again, rocking the child in her arms.
"You're lyin' to me, Tom-Jeff Gordon. Hit's on'y a lie to make me tell!" she panted.