unwillingness--I am sure, even though her heart broke, she would do
this--to marry Huntter. Then the matter would lie among men; men with the
traditional viewpoint; men with much, much at stake. If Huntter has, as
you say, taken the chance, in his love for Margaret--and he does love
her, poor devil!--he will defend himself and his position."

"How?" Priscilla was regaining her calm; she raised her head and faced
Travers from the circle of his arms.

"He will--send Moffatt to--to--Hapgood."

"And he--what will he do?"

"What does the priest do when the secrets of the confessional are
attacked?"

"Yes, yes--but then?"

"Then--oh! my precious girl! Can you not see? You will come into focus.
You, my love, my wife, but, nevertheless, a woman! a trained nurse!
Hapgood would flay you alive, not because he has anything against you,
but professional honour and discipline would be at stake. Between such a
man as Hapgood and--Priscilla Glynn--oh! can you not see my dear, dear
girl?"

"Yes, I begin to see. And--I see I dare not trust even you!" The hard
note in Priscilla's voice hurt Travers cruelly. "And--you, you and Doctor
Ledyard--how would you stand?" she asked faintly.

Travers held her at arm's length, and his face turned ashen gray.