The tall form again towered in rage above the shrinking figure.
"Wait! I must tell you all, Susie. You know but half the truth. Listen dear, I did try to avenge my father's death. I believed John Graham guilty. I did lure him on to love me only to find that I loved him! I tried to hate him and couldn't. I've betrayed only his name to Ackerman. I could tear my tongue out for it. If he learns of it, he will turn from me and hate me! Susie darling, I've been proud and vain and wilful. Now I'm a poor little girl alone, friendless and lost. You're stronger than I am. Have pity on me. Be a mother to me—I'm lonely and heart-sick. You know what it is to love. If he turns from me now before I can atone for the wrong I have done him, I can't live. You—believe—me—now—dear?"
Susie's eyes filled with tears.
"Yes, I believe you now."
Stella's head sank on the table and her form shook with sobs.
Susie gently stroked the curling black hair, and said:
"I'll help you. We'll work together to save his life."
In a moment they were sobbing in each other's arms.
