Archie Ray bit his lips and his face clouded a little. He had been momentarily dreading this particular moment, for he knew what was coming and would almost have given his life to have prevented it.
“I will help you gladly,” Marion whispered quickly. “There is nothing you would ask that I would not willingly promise.”
The fair girl little realized the blow which she was about to receive, else she could hardly have smiled as bravely as she did at that minute.
Adele Ray leaned over and whispered something in her ear, and as Marion listened her cheeks grew as pale as death itself.
“Is it possible?” she murmured, in a far-away voice, and then her wavering eyes met the glance of Adele Ray’s brother.
The sadness in those dark eyes went straight to Marion’s heart. In an instant her own grief was put aside and she was willing to bear anything for this fond, noble brother.
As she answered Adele’s appeal, she still looked at her brother and the words, “I will do it,” were said to him. To him she had given her sacred, secret promise.