Horton bit his lips in perplexity.
"I do not think I have any right to make such a promise," he said, after a little pause. "This was an attempt at murder."
She rose and came close up to him.
"You must promise me. Do you not see?" she went on, passionately. "If I were any one else, it would be different—do you not understand? To have my name dragged before the public—I could not bear it! I would rather he killed me outright!"
Doctor Horton walked the floor excitedly.
"It is a terrible thing," he said. "I cannot blame you, but it does not seem right. Think the matter over. Perhaps you will feel differently. In the meantime, I will do nothing without your consent."
"Thank you, Doctor Horton," she said.
A feeble call came from the sick-room, and she turned away. Soon after, Doctor Horton left the house.
The next day Commeraw's shop remained closed, and it was discovered that he had fled the town. Numerous debts and embarrassments which came to light sufficiently accounted for his departure, and were also ample guarantee against his return. In this way, the question which had vexed Doctor Horton's mind was unexpectedly settled.
He did not see Lilly O'Connell for several days, but met her at last on the street in such a way that she could not well avoid him.