Mr. Chambers again thought for a minute. "I think you exaggerate the effect of the truth on St. Christopher's. However, for the moment, I'll grant you're right. From what you told me I gather Mr. Aldrich has some rather large philanthropic ideas. Well, if he will clear himself, I'll settle upon you any amount you wish--ten million, twenty million. That will enable him to carry out his ideas on any scale he may like. The good he can do will more than balance any injury that may be done to St. Christopher's. On the one hand, he will have, and you with him, powerless disgrace. On the other, clear name, love, fortune, unlimited power to do good." She slowly shook her head. "It's all thought over--he can't do it." "And nothing can change your determination to marry him?" She held out a hand to him. "No. Forgive me, father," she whispered. He gazed steadily at her--and again his quick mind was searching for a solution to the situation. He pressed her hand. "I want to think. We'll speak of this again." He started out, but she stepped before him. "Wait--there's something I must say. But first, you must never tell what you've just found out."' He did not answer. His silence stirred a sudden new fear. She crept close to him and peered up into his face. "Father--you're not going to tell, are you?" Again he was silent. Her face paled with consternation. She drew a long breath, and her voice came out a thin whisper. "You are going to tell, father! I see it." He looked into her wide brown eyes and at her quivering face. "I think, Helen, you can leave the proper action to my discretion." She swayed slightly, and then her whole body tightened with effort. "You are going to make his innocence public," she said, with slow accusation. "You can't deny it." "I am," he said shortly. She stepped a pace nearer him. "You must not! You must not!" she cried. His jaw tightened and his brows drew together. "I shall!--you hear me?" "But, father--it isn't your secret. You haven't the right." "I have the right to protect my own daughter and myself!" "But to destroy others?" she implored. "You know it will ruin hundreds. Have you the right to do that?" "A man's first duty is to those nearest him." "But don't you see?--you destroy hundreds to save yourself, and me!" "You have my answer," he said. She looked at him despairingly. "Then nothing can stop you?" "Nothing." His face was firm, his voice hard. "And now, Helen, I'm going," he said shortly. "There's nothing more to be said." Helen caught his arm. "Not yet!" She gazed at him, her face gray and helpless.... Then the crisis gave her inspiration. A new view of the situation flashed into her mind. She considered it for several moments. "Father," she said. "Well?"