'It's little that I know, my dear,' cried Clemency, 'very little;
but I know that this should not be. Think of what you do!'

'I have thought of it many times,' said Marion, gently.

'Once more,' urged Clemency. 'Till to-morrow.' Marion shook her
head.

'For Mr. Alfred's sake,' said Clemency, with homely earnestness.
'Him that you used to love so dearly, once!'

She hid her face, upon the instant, in her hands, repeating 'Once!'
as if it rent her heart.

'Let me go out,' said Clemency, soothing her. 'I'll tell him what
you like. Don't cross the door-step to-night. I'm sure no good
will come of it. Oh, it was an unhappy day when Mr. Warden was
ever brought here! Think of your good father, darling - of your
sister.'

'I have,' said Marion, hastily raising her head. 'You don't know
what I do. I MUST speak to him. You are the best and truest
friend in all the world for what you have said to me, but I must
take this step. Will you go with me, Clemency,' she kissed her on
her friendly face, 'or shall I go alone?'

Sorrowing and wondering, Clemency turned the key, and opened the
door. Into the dark and doubtful night that lay beyond the
threshold, Marion passed quickly, holding by her hand.