“That is something to be grateful for. Theodore, I cannot help it. You know I cannot help it. Nor could Otto. How could we make good, in our poverty, the result of half a century’s profusion and neglect?”
“I did not say you could help it. And now we shall have the inspector, and the hovels will have to be put up again somehow. But how?”
“How?” repeated Ursula, vaguely. “Never mind. Wait a little. We shall see.”
“Wait!” exclaimed Theodore. “Twenty-four hours! Have you no more diamonds?”
“No. Theodore, I am beginning to feel that I can fight no longer. I owe it to you that you should receive the first warning. I am going to give up.”
He turned on her hotly. “What, frightened already?” he cried.
“Frightened?” she repeated, growing pale. “Why frightened?” A sudden light seemed to strike her. “Oh, you mean because of what they say against me in the village. What do they say against me in the village, Theodore?”
“If you know, I needn’t tell you,” replied Theodore, pale also under his ruddy glow, unconsciously wondering how much had reached her.
“They say that I used dishonorable means to secure my husband. There is not a word of truth in it, Theodore.”