CHAPTER XV.
THE DECISION I had had time to think, swiftly to be sure, yet clearly enough.
Surprised as I was by her statement, yet the truth as thus revealed failed to startle me seriously.

Vaguely I had suspicioned the possibility before, not really believing it could be so, and yet struck by the similarity in circumstances of the two women.

Consequently the shock of final discovery was somewhat deadened, and I retained the pose of thought.

Moreover, to know her identity was an actual relief.
Before, I had half doubted the righteousness of my cause, at times almost felt myself a criminal.

Now that I could openly associate myself with Philip Henley's wife, in a struggle to retain for her what was justly her own, all feeling of doubt vanished, and I became grimly confident of the final result.