There was no recognition for a few moments, as she lay back, gazing dreamily at him. Then thought resumed its power in her brain, and her face was convulsed by a spasm. Starting up, she caught his arm. "Is it all true?" she cried, in a low, husky whisper. Guest gave her a pitying, appealing look, but he did not speak. "Yes, it must be true," she said, as she rose to her feet, and stood supporting herself by Guest's arm, while Edie held her hand. "You have not told anyone?" she said eagerly. "No; I came here as soon as I knew." "Where is Mr Stratton?" "At his chambers." "And you, his friend, have left him at such a time?" "It was at his wish," said Guest gently; "his secret is safe with me." "Yes. He trusts you. I trust you. Percy Guest, Edie, even if he is guilty, he must be saved. No, no, it could not be guilt. I must not be weak now. He may be innocent, and the law can be so cruel. Who knows what may be the cause!" She pressed her hands to her temples for a few moments, and then the power to think grew clearer. "Go to him--from me. Tell him I bid him leave England at once. Leave with him, if you can be of help. Stop. He is not rich. Edie, all the money you have. Mr Guest, take this, too, and I will get more. Now go, and remember that you are his friend. Write to me and Edie, and we will send; but, though all is over, let me know that his life is safe." Guest caught the hand she extended with her purse and Edie's, kissed it reverently, and closed the fingers tightly round the purses, and gently thrust them from him. "What!" Myra cried passionately; "you refuse?" "I want to help you both," he replied gravely. "O Percy!" cried Edie, with the tears starting to her eyes, and her tone of reproach thrilled him. "Don't speak to me like that," he said. "You mean well, but to do what you say is to condemn him at once in everybody's sight. It is all so foreign to my poor friend's nature that, even knowing what I do, I cling to the belief in his innocence." "Yes; he must be innocent," cried Myra. "He could not be what you say." "Then should I be right in taking money and your message, saying to him, though not in words--`Fly for your life, like a hunted criminal'? I could not do it. Myra, Edie--think, pray, what you are urging. It would be better advice to him to say--`Give yourself up, and let a jury of your fellow-countrymen decide.'" "No, no," cried Myra; "it is too horrible. You do not know; you cannot see what he is suffering--what his position is. I must act myself. It cannot, it cannot be true!" "Myra!" whispered Edie, clinging to her. "What? And you side against me, too?" "No, no, dear! How can you speak such cruel words? You know I would do anything for your sake." Half-mad with mental agony, Myra repulsed her with a bitter laugh.