Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/377

Rh that mattered now was that she herself should act bravely and circumspectly in her last attempt to save her friends.

“I am not sure,” Mrs. Ansell continued, gently scrutinizing her companion, “that I think it unwise of him to have gone; but if he stays too long Bessy may listen to bad advice—advice disastrous to her happiness.” She paused, and turned her eyes meditatively toward the ﬁre. “As far as I know,” she said, with the same air of serious candour, “you are the only person who can tell him this.”

“I?” exclaimed Justine, with a leap of colour to her pale cheeks.

Mrs. Ansell’s eyes continued to avoid her. “My dear Miss Brent, Bessy has told me something of the wise counsels you have given her. Mr. Amherst is also your friend. As I said just now, you are the only person who might act as a link between them—surely you will not renounce the rôle.”

Justine controlled herself. “My only role, as you call it, has been to urge Bessy to—to try to allow for her husband’s views"

“And have you not given the same advice to Mr. Amherst?”

The eyes of the two women met. “Yes,” said Justine, after a moment.

“Then why refuse your help now? The moment is crucial.” [ 361 ]