Little girl, let me try to show you. Suppose you went
to Margaret Moffatt. You know her proud, sensitive nature; her loyalty
and absolute frankness. After the shock and torture she would go to her
father with the truth--for she would believe you--and announce her
unwillingness--I am sure, even though her heart broke, she would do
this--to marry Huntter. Then the matter would lie among men; men with the
traditional viewpoint; men with much, much at stake. If Huntter has, as
you say, taken the chance, in his love for Margaret--and he does love
her, poor devil!--he will defend himself and his position."
"How?" Priscilla was regaining her calm; she raised her head and faced
Travers from the circle of his arms.
"He will--send Moffatt to--to--Hapgood."
"And he--what will he do?"
"What does the priest do when the secrets of the confessional are
attacked?"
"Yes, yes--but then?"
"Then--oh! my precious girl! Can you not see? You will come into focus.
You, my love, my wife, but, nevertheless, a woman! a trained nurse!
Hapgood would flay you alive, not because he has anything against you,
but professional honour and discipline would be at stake.
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