Then it is certain that Hurst, in self-defence, will make the most of any facts that may transfer suspicion from him to someone else.

And that someone else will be Miss Bellingham." I sat for some moments literally paralysed with horror.

Then my dismay gave place to indignation.

"But, damn it!" I exclaimed, starting up--"I beg your pardon--but could anyone have the infernal audacity to insinuate that that gentle, refined lady murdered her uncle ?" "That is what will be hinted, if not plainly asserted; and she knows it.
And that being so, is it difficult to understand why she should refuse to allow you to be publicly associated with her?
To run the risk of dragging your honourable name into the sordid transactions of the police-court or the Old Bailey?
To invest it, perhaps, with a dreadful notoriety ?" "Oh, don't! for God's sake! It is too horrible! Not that I would care for myself.

I would be proud to share her martyrdom of ignominy, if it had to be; but it is the sacrilege, the blasphemy of even thinking of her in such terms, that enrages me." "Yes," said Thorndyke; "I understand and sympathise with you.