Oh, the shame--the dreadful
shame! It's only because there seems just this hope. How shall I
bring myself to tell you?"
"Dear Mrs. Hannaford, we have been friends so long. Trust me to
understand you. Of course, of course I shall believe what you say!"
"A dreadful, a shameful thing has happened. How shall I tell you?"
Her haggard face flushed scarlet. "My husband has given me notice
that he is going to sue for a divorce. He brings a charge against me
--a false, cruel charge! It came yesterday. I went to the solicitor
whose name was given, and learnt all I could. I have had to hide it
from Olga, and oh! what it cost me! At once I thought of you; then
it seemed impossible to speak to you; then I felt I must, I must. If
only you can believe me! It is--your brother."
Piers was overcome with amazement. He sat looking into the eyes
which stared at him with their agony of shame.
"You mean Daniel?" he faltered.
"Yes--Daniel Otway. It is false--it is false! I am not guilty of
this! It seems to me like a hateful plot--if one could believe
anyone so wicked. I saw him last night. Oh, I must tell you all,
else you'll never believe me--I saw him last night. How can anyone
behave so to a helpless woman? I never did him anything but
kindness. He has me in his power, and he is merciless."
A passion of disgust and hatred took hold on Piers as he remembered
the meeting in Piccadilly.
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