Now what is your duty ?" The lady paused as if for an answer.
"What is your duty, my dear young friend ?" she repeated.
"I will answer for you," she continued.

"Your duty is to be true to yourself and to your sisters in bonds." "In bonds! _I_ in bonds!" Mrs.Talbot touched her to the quick.
"Are you a free woman ?" The inquiry was calmly made.
Irene started to the floor and moved across the room, then turned and came back again.

Her cheeks burned and her eyes flashed.

She stood before Mrs.Talbot and looked at her steadily.
"The question has disturbed you ?" said the lady.
"It has," was the brief answer.
"Why should it disturb you ?" Irene did not answer.
"I can tell you." "Say on." "You are in bonds, and feel the fetters." "Mrs.Talbot!" "It is so, my poor child, and you know it as well as I do.

From the beginning of our acquaintance I have seen this; and more than once, in our various conversations, you have admitted the fact." "I ?" "Yes, you." Irene let her thoughts run back through the sentiments and opinions which she had permitted herself to utter in the presence of her friend, to see if she had so fully betrayed herself.