I leave to your good sense the details of the sad discovery.
I have but one request to make to you, kindest and truest of friends; that is, that you remember what I asked you to do with reference to Panton's appointment to-morrow morning.

If you can get a telegram or telephone message through to Gifford to-night, I think that appointment will be postponed indefinitely.

You will perhaps think me a sentimental fool for wishing to keep Panton's good opinion, but such is my wish.
"I am distressed at the thought of the trouble and worry to which you must inevitably be exposed to-night.

On the other hand, much more trouble and worry in the future will thus have been saved, even to you.
"Yours ever, "Lionel Varick.
"I trust to your friendship to destroy this letter as soon as read." Blanche read the letter once again, right through, then she held out the big sheet of paper, and dropped it into the heart of the fire.
For the second time that day she burst into tears, shaken to the depths by the extraordinarily complicated feelings which filled her heart and mind, feelings of horror and of pain--and yet of intense, immeasurable relief! Then she pulled herself together, and prepared to act, for the second time that day, her part in a tragi-comedy in which where there had been two characters there was now but one..