It was necessary to light the gas before
Mrs. Hannaford could read the sheet that trembled in her hand.
"What I feared! He can do nothing."
She held the letter to Irene, who perused it. Piers began by saying
that as result of a note he had posted yesterday, Daniel had this
morning called upon him at his office. They had had a long talk.
"He declared himself quite overcome by what had happened, and said
he had been away from town endeavouring to get at an understanding
of the so-called evidence against him. Possibly his inquiries might
effect something; as yet they were useless. He was very vague, and
did not reassure me; I could not make him answer simple questions.
There is no honesty in the man. Unfortunately I have warrant for
saying this, on other accounts. Believe me when I tell you that the
life he leads makes him unworthy of your lightest thought. He is
utterly, hopelessly ignoble. It is a hateful memory that I, who feel
for you a deep respect and affection, was the cause of your coming
to know him.
"But for the fear of embarrassing you, I should have brought this
news, instead of writing it. If you are still keeping your trouble a
secret, I beseech you to ease your mind by seeing Dr. Derwent, and
telling him everything. It is plain that your defence must at once
be put into legal hands. Your brother is a man of the world, and
much more than that; he will not, cannot, refuse to believe you, and
his practical aid will comfort you in every way.
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