Her mother drew a long breath. “You mean you will not believe it,� she said quietly, “because you would rather repudiate the sinner! I do not blame you. But it is true, I am your mother.� She broke off, her parched lips quivered, but she shed no tears. “Diana,� she said after a moment, “thank God that you are not like me—and forgive me.�
“I cannot believe you!� reiterated Diana.
But as she spoke they both saw Dr. Cheyney crossing the lawn to the house, and her mother beckoned to him. The old man came reluctantly, instinctively aware of the cause of the summons.
“Dr. Cheyney,� Mrs. Fenwick said with forced composure, “tell Diana that I am her mother.�
The old man stood with his hand at his chin; he was very pale. Diana looked up and met his eyes, and a slow painful blush went up to her hair.
“She is your mother,� said the doctor abruptly, and turned his back.
As he walked away Letty Fenwick held out both hands pleadingly. “Diana,� she said softly, “will you kiss me?�
The hot tears came into Diana’s eyes and fell slowly on her pale cheeks. “Mother!� she said, in a choked voice.
Her mother caught her in her arms and kissed her. “My child!� she murmured, “my child, can you forgive me?�
Diana could not speak, her mother was weeping. “Dear girl,� she said, “I’m rich, I know your father’s in trouble; let me help you, come to me. Oh, Diana, I have longed for you!�