It is so
hard for a woman accused in this way to seem innocent; men always
see the dark side. He has no very good opinion of me, as it is, I
know he hasn't. I turned so naturally to you; I felt you would do
your utmost for me in my misery.--If only my husband can be
brought to see that I am not guilty, that he wouldn't win the suit,
then perhaps he would cease from it. I will give all the money I can
--all I have!"
Piers stood reflecting.
"Tell me all the details you have learnt," he said. "What evidence
do they rely on?"
Her head bowed, her voice broken, she told of place and time and the
assertions of so-called witnesses.
"Why has this plot against you been a year in ripening?" asked
Otway.
"Perhaps we are wrong in thinking it a plot. My husband may only
just have discovered what he thinks my guilt in some chance way. If
so, there is hope."
They sat mute for a minute or two.
"If only I can hide this from Olga," said Mrs. Hannaford. "Think how
dreadful it is for me, with her! We were going to ask you to spend
another evening with us--but how is it possible? If I send you the
invitation, will you make an answer excusing yourself--saying you
are too busy? To prevent Olga from wondering. How hard, how cruel it
is! Just when we had made ourselves a home here, and might have been
happy!"
Piers stood up, and tried to speak words of encouragement.
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