Back upon her memory came his words, "I can save him if I will." Where there is room for doubt there is room for hope. What if another hand had anticipated that of the paid assassin? She resolved to cling to this hope with desperation.
If there was evidence so strong against Frank Lamotte, let him take her lover's place. Why not? She began to see many things in a new light; she peered forward, catching a view of the partial truth, "as in a glass, darkly." One thing was clear, however, they must act at once! No time must be lost!
She sat before him thinking thus, yet seemingly powerless to act or speak!
"Constance. Has the possibility of Frank Lamotte's guilt, overwhelmed you?"
"The possibility!" she exclaimed, starting up suddenly. "No. I know him capable of baser things than murder."
"Of baser things! My darling, what do you mean?"
"Don't ask me now; there is no time to waste in talking of him; I am going straight to your lawyers this moment; I am going to send them to you, and you shall tell them every thing."
"Despot!" His eyes devouring her.
"Of course! I am always that. They will say it is time some one took you in charge. Are you going to be dumb any more?"
"Never! My lips are unsealed from this hour; since you have dared to claim and take a share in my fate, and since I have not the courage to put so much happiness from me."