There was just one awkward moment of hesitation.

Then Dick Hazlewood held out his hand.
"I am very glad to meet you, Mrs.Ballantyne," he said cordially, and he saw the blood rush into her face and the fear die out in her eyes.
The neighbourhood, to quote Mr.Hazlewood, had not been kind to Stella Ballantyne.

She had stood in the dock and the fact tarnished her.
Moreover here and there letters had come from India.

The verdict was inevitable, but--but--there was a doubt about its justice.

The full penalty--no.