Jasher.
Do you blame me?"
"No, I don't. All the same, I don't think that Mrs. Jasher is an
immoral woman by any means."
"Perhaps not; but we needn't discuss her character, as we know
precious little of her past, and she no doubt told you the story
that best suited herself. I think it will be best to make her
tell all she knows this evening, and then send her away with a
sum of money in her pocket to begin a new life."
"I shall help her certainly," said Random, with his eyes on the
fire, "but can't say exactly how. It is my opinion that the
poor wretch is more sinned against than sinning."
"You are a soldier with a conscience, Random."
The other laughed.
"Why shouldn't a soldier have a conscience? Do you take your
idea of officers from the lady novelist, who makes us out to be
all idle idiots?"
"Not exactly. All the same, many a man would not take the
trouble to behave as you are doing to this unlucky woman."
"Any man, who was a man, whether soldier or civilian, would help
such a poor creature. And I believe, Hope, that you will help
her also."
The artist leaped to his feet impulsively.
"Of course. I'm with you right along, as Hervey would say. But
first, before deciding what we shall do to set Mrs.
Pages:
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346