And then, seeking the refuge of her own room, she hid her tell-tale face.

"Even if it leads up to the guilty past, I can defend his memory.

He was guiltless of this crime; and Randall Clayton's name shall be cleared of all stain!" Over her virgin heart came the memory of the cold bargain which had linked her name to the crafty Ferris.
"Never, never, so help me, God! shall he lay his hand again in mine!" For the first time in her life she felt the delicious power of wealth.

Only the silver-haired Lemuel Boardman knew of the armed neutrality now secretly arranged, which was to buy a legal separation after six months from her nominal husband in that obscure Western State.
"Thank God!" she cried.

"The sale of his honor, his manhood, for one hundred thousand dollars will seal his lips.