"
Eve's lips parted in dumb dismay.
"It must be done," he went on hurriedly, "and we have got to
do it--you and I." He turned and looked at her.
"I? I could do nothing. What could I do?" Her voice failed.
"Everything," he said, "you could do everything. He is
morally weak, but he has one sensitive point--the fear of a
public exposure. Once make it plain to him that you know his
secret, and you can compel him to whatever course of action
you select. It was to ask you to do this--to beg you to do
this--that I came to you to-night. I know that it's demanding
more than a woman's resolution--more than a woman's strength.
But you are like no woman in the world!
"Eve!" he cried, with sudden vehemence, "can't you see that
it's imperative--the one thing to save us both?"
He stopped abruptly as he had begun, and again a painful
silence filled the room. Then, as before, Eve moved
instinctively towards him, but this time her steps were slow
and uncertain. Nearing his side, she put out her hand as if
for comfort and support; and, feeling his fingers tighten
round it, stood for a moment resting in the contact.
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