She wanted time to think.

Her mind hastily reviewed the two conversations she had overheard between Marian and Henry Hammond.

This, then, was the meaning of it all.

The brief suspicion that had flashed into her mind and Anne's on the night that Marian and Henry Hammond had passed them, had been only too well founded.

Marian had drawn the money from the bank and given it to him.
"Marian," asked Grace, "did you give the money the judge sent us to Henry Hammond ?" Marian nodded, too overcome as yet to speak.
"Can't you tell me about it ?" continued Grace patiently.
Marian struggled for self-control, then began in a shaking voice.
"I have been a perfect idiot over that miserable Henry Hammond, and I deserve everything.