Kathryn stepped slowly forward, her arms outstretched. She looked as a captive maiden might before the conqueror whose slave she was willing to become. As she advanced Northrup drew back. He reached a chair and gripped it. Then he said quietly:
“You see, I happened to hear you and Arnold.”
Kathryn’s face went deadly white.
“I had to tell him something, Brace; you know how Sandy is––I knew I could explain to you; you would understand.” The pitiful, futile words and tone did not reach Northrup with appeal.
“You can explain,” he said harshly, “and I think I will understand, but I want the explanation to come in my way, if you please. Just answer my questions. Have you ever told Arnold––what he just made you promise to tell me?”
Kathryn stood still, breathing hard.
“Yes or no!”
The girl was being dragged to a merciless bar of judgment. She realized it and all her foolish defences fell; all but that power of hers to leap to some sort of safety. There still was Arnold!
“Yes,” she said gaspingly.