Was it yet too late?
Lorna sometimes had faint, budding hopes that in some fresh country his wrecked career might be righted, and that he might make a new start and rise triumphant over the ruin of other days.

He was glad to see her.
There was no doubt about that.

The knowledge that she now shared his secret placed her on a different footing.

It was a relief to him to have some one in whom he could confide, some one who knew the reason for his hermit mode of living, and above all who believed in his innocence.
Insensibly Lorna's presence acted upon him for good.

The nervous, hunted look began to fade out of his eyes, and sometimes he actually smiled as she recounted the doings of the Camellia Buds, or other happenings at school.
"Daddy!" she said once, "couldn't we go out to Australia or America, or somewhere where nobody would know us, and make a fresh life for ourselves ?" A gleam of hope flitted for a moment over the sad face.
"I've thought of that, Lorna.