Out of her sphere - University Library

62 OUT OF HER SPHERE.
by something a little harder to appease
than his own conscience.
" That is what people will say—that is
what people will think," she said solemnly,
*^ when they know how things were, when
they know that Mrs. Thornton went to meet
yoii at the Fort, and nothing has been
seen of her since. They will know it, they
must know it, and any way it will be ruin
to you. Do n't you see yourself all that
may come of it ? I think—if I chose—
could save you—I am sure I could ; but I
will not do it to be flung aside again, tram-
pled on, and deceived, because you think
that another, and a richer woman, may
make you a better wife than I ; she never
could ! there's not the woman living that
could do it 1 Audley Dale, you've used me
very hardly, cheated, and laughed at me,
but I '11 forgive everything, and clear you
from this danger— a more serious one than
you dream of—if only you'll keep the word