Page:Sanctuary (Wharton 1903).djvu/24

 again to her pole. &quot;Poor Denis! You were not there—you did n't have to—?&quot;

&quot;I had to see her.&quot; She felt the instant relief in his voice. He could talk now, could distend his nerves in the warm air of her sympathy. &quot;I had to identify her.&quot; He rose nervously and began to pace the room. &quot;It's knocked the wind out of me. I—my God! I couldn t foresee it, could I?&quot; He halted before her with outstretched hands of argument. &quot;I did all I could—it's not my fault, is it?&quot;

&quot;Your fault? Denis!&quot;

&quot;She would n't take the money—&quot; He broke off, checked by her awakened glance.

&quot;The money? What money?&quot; Her face changed, hardening as his relaxed. &quot;Had you offered her money to give up the case?&quot;

He stared a moment, and then dismissed the implication with a laugh.

&quot;No—no; after the case was decided against her. She seemed hard up, and I