She interrupted.
"You would spare me, you are in an unpleasant position. Sir, I thank you. There is no more for you to do. I must tell my lady."
"If I can be of any use, madam."
"I do not know," answered Susannah faintly. "I am grateful."
He thought she would fall as she spoke, and stepped forward.
"I shall not faint," she assured him with a piteous smile. "You can leave me now, sir, safely. Will you come later, if I might ask you?"
"I beseech you."
"You knew him," she continued. "You would do what you could now"—her eyes filled suddenly with tears—"he—he was what they call a worthless man, sir, no one was the better for his life; but for his death there are those who are sorry."
Mr. Harding could not bear to look at her.
"I am absolutely at your service, madam."