"I have done wrong," he said, slowly, "and I am suffering for it, and I shall suffer more before I've finished. But the worst is—"
She looked at him.
"The worst is that I can't bear all the consequences myself. An innocent person will pay the penalty of my sin."
Hugh's voice faltered. He was thinking of his mother.
Rachel's mind instantly flew to Lord Newhaven.
"Then Lord Newhaven drew the short lighter," she thought, and she colored deeply.
There was a long silence.
"Do you think," said Hugh, smiling faintly, "that people are ever given a second chance?"
"Always," said Rachel. "If not here—afterwards."
"If I were given another," said Hugh. "If I might only be given another now in this life I should take it."