“He told her at dinner, when I was present. Lucy is quite on your side. She says that she had known Mrs. Jasher for months and that there is good in her, although I am bound to say that Lucy was a trifle shocked.”
“Does she want Mrs. Jasher to marry her father now?”
“Her step-father,” corrected Archie immediately. “No, that is out of the question. But she would like Mrs. Jasher to be helped out of her difficulties and have a fair start. It was only by the greatest diplomacy that I prevented Lucy going to see the wretched woman this evening.”
“Why did you prevent her?”
Archie colored.
“I daresay I am a trifle prudish,” he replied, “but after what has happened I do not wish Lucy to associate with Mrs. Jasher. Do you blame me?”
“No, I don't. All the same, I don't think that Mrs. Jasher is an immoral woman by any means.”
“Perhaps not; but we needn't discuss her character, as we know precious little of her past, and she no doubt told you the story that best suited herself. I think it will be best to make her tell all she knows this evening, and then send her away with a sum of money in her pocket to begin a new life.”
“I shall help her certainly,” said Random, with his eyes on the fire, “but can't say exactly how. It is my opinion that the poor wretch is more sinned against than sinning.”
“You are a soldier with a conscience, Random.”
The other laughed.