It is not well for her that she should be left in the world alone.

You must see that for yourself, Mr.Tavernake." "She seems a very sensible young lady," he declared slowly.

"I should have thought that she would have been old enough to know for herself what she wanted and what was best for her." The woman at his side wrung her hands with a little gesture of despair.
"Oh, why can't I make you understand!" she exclaimed, the emotion once more quivering in her tone.

"How can I--how can I possibly make you believe me?
Listen.

Something has happened of which she does not know--something terrible.