Mrs.Lee visibly shrank under it, and lost her composure.

This was the same reproach she had made against herself, and to which she had been able to find no reply.

With some agitation she exclaimed: "Mr.Ratcliffe, pray do me justice! I have tried not to be severe.

I have said nothing in the way of attack or blame.

I acknowledge that it is not my place to stand in judgment over your acts.