There was a long silence. She turned, and hiding her face against the high back of the chair, sobbed convulsively. “You want to rob me of the last thing I have in the world!� she said at last.
“You deserted her,� he replied more gently.
She raised her face, wet with her passionate tears, and held out both hands to him. “Will you help me, will you tell her I am not dead? I am her mother; she has a right to know it.�
Dr. Cheyney still regarded her. “He is very ill, Letty,� he said, “he may die; would you rob him of his daughter?�
“No, oh, no!� she cried impetuously, “but I—I want her, too; I have wanted her for twenty years. Oh, Dr. Cheyney, there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth!�
“Diana will not go with you,� he said quietly. “I know it, and if she would, I would not tell her.�
“You refuse?� She leaned forward, still holding the chair with one hand and the other pressed against her heart.
“Absolutely.�
She shivered. “Cruel!� she whispered bitterly.
He turned to his medicine cabinet and began to unlock the door. “Stay a moment,� he said kindly, “you need something, you will be ill.�