Picton then read Lenise's confession, which exonerated Hector from blame. It was brief and to the point; she did not spare herself.
"I'll tell you what, Picton, Hector's a great man, an extraordinary man, he deserves the highest praise we can give him," said Sir Robert, and with this they all agreed.
"Remember, Hector is dead, William Rolfe lives," said Picton, and again they agreed to abide by this decision.
CHAPTER XXX
TEARAWAY'S PROGENY
IT was a quiet wedding and Dick gave his sister away. A few friends met at Torwood to bid them speed on their honeymoon, which was spent at Florence. On their return they went direct to Haverton, and Mrs. Woodridge settled down to her duties as mistress of the house, with Mrs. Yeoman as her trusty guide.
Rita was supremely happy; Picton told her Hector's story when they were in Florence.
"So I was right when I thought I recognized Mr. Rolfe as the man who asked me for help, or rather whom I assisted on his tramp to Torquay," she said.
"Yes, you were right," said Picton. "You made a greater hit than you were aware of."