"Be merciful, and tell her the truth!" He spoke to a woman who stood in no need of his advice.

The inherent nobility in Lady Lydiard's nature was aroused: her great heart offered itself patiently to any sorrow, to any sacrifice.
Putting her arm round Isabel--half caressing her, half supporting her--Lady Lydiard accepted the whole responsibility and told the whole truth.
Reeling under the first shock, the poor girl recovered herself with admirable courage.

She raised her head, and eyed the lawyer without uttering a word.

In its artless consciousness of innocence the look was nothing less than sublime.

Addressing herself to Mr.Troy, Lady Lydiard pointed to Isabel.