"She only went for a ride in his
aeroplane," he said, sadly. "She had no idea of staying more than an
afternoon. He had promised to set her down at the next station to
Beechwood, where her aunt was to meet her. She was filled with horror
and consternation when she found she must be away overnight. But even
then she had no idea of his purpose. She says that nobody ever told her
about such things, she was ignorant as a little child! She is full of
repentance, and feels that this will be a lesson for her. She says she
intends to devote her life to me if I will only forgive her."
So that was what she had told Tennelly behind the closed doors!
Before Courtland's eyes there floated a vision of Gila as she first
caught sight of him in the office of the inn. If ever soul was guilty in
full knowledge of her sin she had been! Again she passed before his
vision with shamed head down-drooped and all her proud, imperial manner
gone. The mask had fallen from Gila forever so far as Courtland was
concerned. Not even her little, pitiful, teary face that morning, when
she crept from the car at her aunt's door, could deceive him again.
"And you _believe_ all that?" asked Courtland. He could not help it. His
dearest friend was in peril. What else could he do?
"I--don't know!" said Tennelly, helplessly.
There was silence in the room. Then Tennelly did realize a little!
Perhaps Tennelly had known all along, better than he!
"And--you will forgive her?"
"I _must_!" said Tennelly, in desperation.
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