"It is easy to distort truth into a lie, John."
"But it is very hard to reverse the order again."
"Do you believe the lie?" Warrington looked his friend squarely in the eyes.
A minute passed. The ticking of the clock was audible.
"Believe it? I have had to struggle, I have had to fight hard and all alone. I do not say that I don't believe it. I say that I WILL not!"
A truly noble soul always overawes us. This generosity struck Warrington dumb. But the woman found life in the words. She flung herself before her husband and clasped his knees with a nervous strength that provoked a sharp cry from his lips.
"John, John!"
He stooped and unwound her arms, gently drawing her up, up, till her head lay against his shoulder. Then she became a dead weight. She had fainted. He lifted her up in his strong arms and started for the stairs.
"Were she guilty of all the crimes chronicled in hell, I still should love her. But between you and me, Dick, things must be explained."
"I shall wait for you, John."