"You're very sure you are drawing the right deductions?" he asked.
"I wish you would sit down and let me tell you of that day," said
Leslie.
"I have come to you for help," said James Minturn. "I would be more than glad, if you'd be so kind."
At the end: "I don't think I've missed a word," said Leslie. "That day is and always will be sharply outlined."
"You've not heard from her since that note?" he asked. "You don't know where she is?"
"No," said Leslie. "I haven't an idea where you could find her; but because of her lawyer superintending the hospital repairs, because of the wonderful way things are being done, Daddy thinks it's sure that the work is in John Haynes' hands, and that she is directing it through him."
"If it were not for the war, I would know," said Mr. Minturn. "But understanding her as I do——"
"I think instead of understanding her so well, you scarcely know her at all," said Leslie gently. "You may have had a few months of her real nature to begin with, but when her rearing and environment ruled her life, the real woman was either perverted or had small chance. Do you ever stop to think what kind of a man you might have been, if all your life you had been forced and influenced as Nellie was?"
"Good Lord!" cried Mr. Minturn.
"Exactly!" agreed Leslie. "That's what I'm telling you! She had got to the realization of the fact that her life had been husks and ashes; so she went to beg you to help her to a better way, and you failed her. I'm not saying it was your fault; I'm not saying I blame you; I'm merely stating facts."