“Then I can tell you my story,” answered Nancy. “Please do.”
“First drink this,” and Cora gave some of the medicine that had been left by the doctor.
As briefly as she could Cora related the incident of the fire, and story told by Mrs. Raymond.
“That is just how it happened,” said Nancy, with a sigh. “Oh, I little thought when I ran out of the office that I would cause such suffering to an innocent woman.”
“Then she is innocent?” asked Cora, eagerly.
“Of course she is!”
“Oh, I am so glad! I thought she was all the while. Now, dear, if it won’t tire you too much, please tell me as much as you wish to. Then I will let the other girls know.”
“Well, I am Nancy Ford. I am sorry I denied it, but—”
“That’s all right, my dear. I understand.”
Nancy struggled with her emotion for a moment, and resumed slowly, with frequent pauses to compose herself.