She doesn't know how it happened.

Can you tell her?
_I_ can't.

I told her there were extenuating circumstances; but of course I couldn't go into them." "What did she say ?" "She said no circumstances could extenuate facts." "I can hear her saying it." "I understand her state of mind," said Majendie.

"She couldn't see the circumstances for the facts." "Our Anne is but young.

In ten years' time she won't be able to see the facts for the circumstances." "Well--will you tell her ?" "Of course I will." "Make her see that I'm not necessarily an utter brute just because I----" "I'll make her see everything." "Forgive me for bothering you." "Dear--forgive me for breaking my promise and deceiving you." He bent to her weak arms.
"I believe," she whispered, "the end will yet justify the means." "Oh--the end." He didn't see it; but he was convinced that there could hardly be a worse beginning.
He went upstairs, where Anne lay in the agonies of her bilious attack.