“If the accident were all!” moaned Inez, burying her face in Helen’s lap.
Helen made no response, but laid her hand kindly upon Inez’ head. After a few moments the girl straightened up. Her eyes burned with the intensity of her sudden resolve, and she spoke rapidly, as if fearful that her courage would prove insufficient for the task she had set for herself to do.
“Helen!” she cried, “I am going to tell you something which will make you hate me. You will want me to leave you, and our friendship will be forever ended.”
“Wait, dear,” urged Helen—“wait until you are calmer; then, if you choose, tell me all that you have in your heart.”
“No; I must tell you now. I love Jack, Helen—do you understand? I love your husband, and, fight it as I do, I cannot help it. Think of having to make a confession like that!”
Helen’s face lighted up with glad relief.
“I am so glad that you have told me this,” she said, quietly.
Inez gazed at Helen in wonder, amazed by her calmness and her unexpected words.
“But I must tell you more,” she continued, wildly; “I have loved him for weeks—almost since I first came here!”
“I know you have, Inez.” Helen pressed a kiss upon the girl’s forehead. “I have known it for a long time; but I have also seen your struggle against it, and your loyalty to me—and to him.”