I must not." "Cry if you want to cry," the Duchess answered.
"It will be better," said Lord Coombe, "if you can keep calm.

It is necessary that you should be calm enough to think--and understand.

Will you try?
It is for Donal's sake." "I will try," she answered, but her amazed eyes still yearningly wondered at the Duchess.

Her arm had felt almost like Dowie's.
"Which of us shall begin to explain to her ?" the Duchess questioned.
"Will you?
It may be better." They were going to take care of her.

She was not to be turned into the street--though perhaps if she were turned into the street without money she would die somewhere--and that would not matter because she would be thankful.
The Duchess took one of her hands and held it on her knee.