I don't think he is
utterly depraved. As you say, he would have gone first to Denzil.
Perhaps he can be moved to have pity on me."
"Perhaps--but I have more faith in an appeal to his interests."
"It would be dreadful if Denzil had to live henceforth at his
mercy."
"It would. But it's a matter of--of life and death."
Mrs. Wade's voice sank on those words, shaking just a little. She
put her face nearer to Lilian's, but without looking at her.
"Suppose no argument will prevail with him, dear?" she continued in
that low, tremulous tone. "Suppose he persists in claiming you?"
The voice had a strange effect upon Lilian's nerves. She shook with
agitation, and drew away a little.
"He cannot! He has no power to take me! At the worst, we can only be
driven back into solitude."
"True, dear; but it would not be the same kind of solitude as
before. Think of the huge scandal, the utter ruin of brilliant
prospects."
Lilian lay back and moaned in anguish. Her eyes were closed, and in
that moment Mrs. Wade gazed at her for a moment only; then the widow
rose from her chair, and spoke in a voice of encouragement.
"I will see him, Lily. You remain here; I'll call him into the
dining-room."
She stepped to the window, and saw that Northway was standing only
at a little distance. After meditating for a minute or two, she left
the room very quietly, crossed the passage, and entered the room
opposite, where she generally took her meals.
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