Page 97 (1/1)

The girl's intensity of utterance thrilled Kate to the heart Here was the cry of a tortured soul, the appeal of one in bondage Dr Britt was right, she was a victiin to understand I will help you, and so will my brother He is already interested in you He is just the one to advise with you If any one can help you he can He is so keen-eyed, so strong"

"I know he is Have him come soon, won't you?"

The mother interposed "But, dearie, you know Mr Clarke says--"

"I knohat he says," the girl answered, her face sullen and weary again "He and all of you have no regard forto sacrifice me to prove a theory I don't care whether spiritualisle day when I can be sure of being irls I feel as if I had a band of iron around o mad with it some day"

Kate, usually ready, blunt, and fearless, sat in silence, perfectly convinced by the fury of the girl's protest, stunned by a belief in the conant accusations These devotees, these fanatics, were i life on the altar of their own selfish faith The virgin was already bound to the rock, and the priest, torch in hand, was about to apply the flame

"What can I do? I want to help you--"

An imperious knock at the door interrupted her, and for an instant Kate thought this another spirit e, but Mrs Lambert called out, "Is that you, Anthony?"

A deep voice answered, "Yes, it is I I have so to tell you" Clarke opened the door and stepped within, a handsoure

Mrs Lambert rose to meet him "What is it, Anthony?"

"We've decided on the date I am to speak on the second," he answered exultantly

Viola started up "You shall not use my name I forbid it!" Her hands were clinched, her eyes blazed with the fury of her determination, and she struck her heel upon the floor "I tell you I forbid it!"

Clarke pushed Mrs Lambert aside and strode to the centre of the room; his face was hard, his tone conteainst the invisible ones? You forbid it?" His voice changed as he asked, "Who has influenced you to this childish revolt?" He turned to Kate "Have you, madam?"