Mary stood staring at him, loose-lipped, and did not speak. Clifford watched her, dazed by this last turn of circumstances. He saw the realities and prospects that Morton’s words had given her. She now possessed, open and aboveboard, all that she had ever dreamed to gain by trickery--yes, and more! And she had it all unhampered! All these months he had tried to make Life test her--and Life had responded by, in the end, giving her everything! Still Mary did not speak. Mr. Morton went on, a note of urging, of reassurance, in his subdued voice: “And, Mary,--whatever I may have said in the past,--you have nothing to fear from me. You are my daughter, and you have my respect. And you have nothing to fear from any one else, since I know everything.... There’s an afternoon train out of here; we’ll be taking that, Mary.” And then Mary spoke. Her voice was low, but its tone was steady. “I shall be willing--and glad--to do all I can to help. But I cannot go with you as your daughter.” “What?” cried Mr. Morton. And then: “I don’t understand.” The low voice went on:-- “I married Jack solely to make money and gain position. Even before last night I had decided never to take them. And now, after what has happened, even more can I never take them. Believe me, I mean no offense to you, but I cannot be your daughter-in-law.” “What?” repeated Mr. Morton. Clifford gazed at her, stupefied. “While Jack lived my marriage to him was a secret,” the low voice went on. “Now that he is dead, I prefer to have it continue to remain unknown, if that can be managed. I think it can. If the few who know are made to believe that I am trying to force myself upon you, they will keep silent out of pure malice toward me. That is, I want it to remain unknown, unless Mr. Clifford needs my testimony to convict in his cases.” “I don’t think that will be necessary,” said Clifford. “Loveman’s case is closed. As for Bradley, Lieutenant Kelly found that Mordona necklace on him, and Hilton, seeing that the game is over, has just turned State’s evidence and confessed that he and Bradley stole it. That should be sufficient to take care of Bradley.” Mary turned again to Mr. Morton. “Then I prefer to have it all remain as it has been--unknown. I do not want even the profit out of this of having Jack’s name.” Then came a quick set to the jaw of this man long accustomed to having his own way. “But I can publicly proclaim you to be my daughter!” “But you will not,” she returned quietly, “since I ask you not to.” The set look continued for a moment. Then it relaxed.