WHITEWASH
other notes written to her before he made his dastardly profession of love for her, which show identically the same thing—his use of his victim's interest in charity to induce her to assist him. We will substitute these earlier letters, which cover the same ground, for the later ones she so unwisely permitted to be read. It was her very innocence that made her careless. She never dreamed that any one would imagine that she returned his devotion."
Morton smiled inwardly. The farce of it began to appeal to him. But after all, why not protect Philippa? She was a woman—and he had loved her once—how long ago, and absurd it seemed.
"Of course," he said, "nothing shall become known through me, and my uncle, Mr. Courncey, assured me that if Victoria were fully cleared, nothing should be learned from him or Mr. Fanshaw. If the substitution of the letters can be made, I see no reason why anything but sympathy should be attached to your niece."
Mrs. Ford drew a long breath. She was accomplishing her work most skilfully. Never
