Inez went on speaking, confusing herself in the details she was trying to put together to make a plan, and losing the thread of her idea as she attempted to build up falsehoods, for she was truthful as their father was.

But Dolores did not hear her.
"You can do nothing, child," she said at last, in a firm tone.

"But I may.

You have made me think of something that I may do--it is just possible--it may help a little.

Let me think." Inez waited in silence for her to go on, and Dolores stood as motionless as a statue, contemplating in thought the step she meant to take if it offered the slightest hope of saving her father.