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 on, "She said to me that she was positive you would do the right thing by the girl."

"Provide for her?"

"In the only way possible."

"Come now, Mr. Ramsey," said Vale with heat, "you don't expect me to believe that Grace Jerrold thinks I should marry Fawnie."

"I think she hopes intensely that you will."

Derek struck the mantelpiece with his closed hand. "It's the most preposterous thing I ever heard of. Because I made a fool of myself—a beast if you like—once, she expects me to pay for it for the rest of my life. All men are fools—beasts sometimes. Perhaps not actually, but in thought. No one knows about them. Every one knows of this, and I am willing to face the consequences. But that does not mean I am willing to tie myself to an ignorant Indian girl."

"I suppose she was thinking about your son. I confess that is what troubles me, too."

"Good God! I will provide for him! But marry her. . . . Oh, I know how you look at it. . . . I was strictly brought up. . . . I know the phrase—the woman you wronged—I take the blame—but marry her!" The blood rushed to his head at the mere thought of such a marriage; at the thought, too, of Grace Jerrold discussing his wrongdoing with the Vicar. What a horrible mess he had got into! How was he to get out? He did not know what way to turn. Mrs. Machin, Chard, the minister, the Mistwell folk, the Jerrolds, Mr. Ramsey, they were all banded together to bait him. He felt bewildered. His eyes looked strange as he faced the Vicar.

"Don't get excited, my dear fellow. Remember I am here to help you. I want you to realize the elemental truths of the affair. Even if you give the girl money and