After Smith had gone, the three discussed the advisability of acquainting Hetty with the deplorable conditions that had arisen.
"I don't believe it would be wise to tell her," said Booth reflectively. "She'd be sure to sacrifice herself rather than let harm come to this girl. We couldn't stop her."
"No, she must not be told," said Sara, with finality.
"She is almost sure to find this out for herself some time," said the lawyer dubiously. "I think we'd better take her into our confidence. It is only right and just, you know."
"Not at present, not at present," said Sara irritably. "It would ruin everything."
Booth appreciated her reasons for delay much more clearly than they appeared to the matter-of-fact lawyer.
"The girl may die at any time," he explained, addressing Mr. Carroll, but not without a queer thrill of shame.
"That is not what I meant, Brandon," she exclaimed. "I want Hetty to come back with but one motive in her heart. Can't you see?"
As Booth and the lawyer walked down Fifth Avenue toward the club where they were to dine together, the latter, after a long silence, made a remark that disturbed the young man vastly.
"She's going all to pieces, Booth. Bound to collapse. That's the way with these strong-minded, secret, pent-up natures. She has brooded all these months and she's been living a lie. Well, the break has come. She's told you and me. Now, do you know what I'm afraid will happen?"