But is there any need for this to be known?
Could she not sign a paper renouncing her rights in return for a share of my brother's fortune ?" "I doubt if the law would approve of the arrangement if it became known." "The law should realize that it was done from the best of motives to keep from an innocent girl a secret which would darken her life," responded Mrs.Pendleton with decision.
"I wasn't looking at it altogether in that light," replied Dr.Ravenshaw with a slow shake of the head.

"But it might have been tried--oh yes, it might have been tried." He rose from his chair, and paced thoughtfully up and down the room.
"Is it too late to try it now ?" she asked.
He looked at her thoughtfully.
"In what way ?" "By trying to persuade my brother to change his mind." "He is not likely to change his mind." "That," responded Mrs.Pendleton, "remains to be put to the test.

I intend to see him to-night, before it is too late.

I beg you for Sisily's sake to come with me and try and persuade him." "Such a request as you propose to make should come only from a member of the family," replied Dr.Ravenshaw.

"It is a matter in which I would rather not be involved.