Eric Darrell left the vine-embowered cottage with feelings greatly differing from his entrance. He was light of heart.
Not only was this on account of Joe and his wife, but his faith in womankind had been saved.
Had Lillian been guilty Eric was determined never again to believe in a woman.
This would have made him a cynic and a scoffer all of his days—now he could remember with a delicious thrill that Marian was at Joe’s house, and he would soon meet the original of the picture that had charmed him so.
He did not remember of having felt so good for a long time back.
That was the result of the reaction.
As yet he could form no distinct idea of the true state of affairs—all was chaotic confusion, but above everything he saw the prime fact that Lillian was innocent.
That covered all.
How Joe must rejoice.
It would be a new lease of life to him.