What would he think of it, and how, if he questioned her, could she answer him?
Then there came to her that day of parting in Paris.

She remembered Lucy's willingness to give up the child forever, and so cover up all traces of her sin, and her own immediate determination to risk everything for her sister's sake.

As this last thought welled up in her mind and she recalled her father's dying command, her brow relaxed.

Come what might, she was doing her duty.
This was her solace and her strength.
"Cruel, cruel people!" she said to Martha, relaxing her hands.

"How can they be so wicked?
But I am glad it is I who must take the brunt of it all.