Graef. Why did you not inform us of his actions? We surely could have been of assistance to you.
Mrs. D. I preferred bearing my sorrow and disgrace alone; besides I needed no assistance, for the dowry settled upon me by my father when he closed his doors upon me, was ample to support Nellie and myself.
Graef. Still, by our sympathy we might have alleviated your sufferings, which must have been intense.
Mrs. D. They were—words fail to describe them. If I had been anything but a loving faithful wife they would not have been so hard to bear. (weeps)
Graef. (consolingly) There, never mind. I hope there are brighter days in store for you. Are you aware that your father is in town?
Mrs. D. (alarmed) No. For mercy's sake don't let him see me. It would kill me in my present condition to meet his gaze now, after the fulfilment of his prophecy in regard to George.
Graef. I believe he never met your husband, did he?
Mrs. D. No, we were married away from home. But he knew him by reputation, and warned me against him. None of my relatives ever met him. Where is my father?
Graef. At Auntie Thornton's. He came on to attend Helen's wedding. But have no fear of seeing him, you are safe here.