Admission of the truth, even to a friend, would have shown that the woman was hopelessly lost.

Lie or not, Constance felt in her inmost heart that she approved of it.
"Still, it looks badly," she remarked.
"Perhaps it does--on the surface," persisted Anita.
"You poor dear creature," soothed Constance.

"I don't say I blame you for your--indiscreet friendships.

You are more sinned against than sinning." Sympathy had its effect.

Anita was now sobbing softly, as Constance stole her arm about her waist.
"The next question," she reasoned, considering aloud, "is, of course, what to do?
If it was just one of these blackmailing detective cases it would be common, but still very hard to deal with.