What became of my theory then?
The girl was free to run, free to stoop and pick up the train of her gown in her hand, free to shout for help in the open street if she wanted help.

No; that I could not explain until that afternoon, when I saw Mlle.

Celie's terror-stricken eyes fixed upon that flask, as Lemerre poured a little out and burnt a hole in the sack.

Then I understood well enough.

The fear of vitriol!" Hanaud gave an uneasy shudder.