Beatrice and Geoffrey loved each other, of that Elizabeth was certain.

But the existence of this secret, underhand affection would avail her naught unless it could be ripened into acts.

Everybody is free to indulge in secret predilections, but if once they are given way to, if once a woman's character is compromised, then the world avails itself of its opportunities and destroys her.

What man, thought Elizabeth, would marry a compromised woman?
If Beatrice could be compromised, Owen Davies would not take her to wife--therefore this must be brought about.
It sounds wicked and unnatural.

"Impossible that sister should so treat sister," the reader of this history may say, thinking of her own, and of her affectionate and respectable surroundings.