I DECIDE MY DUTY The silence following this blunt statement was sickening.

Up to that moment, in spite of every fact brought to my knowledge, I had secretly believed this condition of affairs impossible.

Surely somewhere, through some legal form, Judge Beaucaire had guarded the future safety of this young woman, whom he had admitted into his household.

Any other conception seemed impossible, too monstrous, too preposterous for consideration.

But now the solemn words of the lawyer, his own legal counselor, brought conviction, and for the moment all power of speech deserted me.