Beatrice should have her
week, and be free from all interference so far as she was concerned. She
realised now that it was too late how great had been her error. Oh, if
only she had sought Beatrice's confidence at first! But it had seemed to
her impossible that she would really throw away such an opportunity in
life.
"Certainly I promise, Beatrice," she said mildly. "I do not swear,
for 'swear not at all,' you know. I only did what I thought my duty in
warning Mr. Davies. If he chooses to go on with the matter, it is no
affair of mine. I had no wish to hurt you, or Mr. Bingham. I acted
solely from my religious convictions."
"Oh, stop talking religion, Elizabeth, and practise it a little
more!" said her father, for once in his life stirred out of his feeble
selfishness. "We have all undertaken to keep our mouths sealed for this
week."
Then Beatrice left the room, and after her went Owen Davies without
another word.
"Elizabeth," said her father, rising, "you are a wicked woman! What did
you do this for?"
"Do you want to know, father?" she said coolly; "then I will tell you.
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