"I do not love Mr. Ware.
I said so the other night."
"And you said more than that.
You said that you would kill me."
"Miss Denham," cried Morley, greatly shocked, "what is this?"
"A foolish word spoken in a foolish moment," said Anne, realizing that her position was becoming dangerous.
"I think so too," said Mrs. Morley, defending her. "It so happened, Miss Denham, that I overheard you make the speech to Daisy, and I told my husband about it the next morning.
We decided to say nothing, thinking—as you say now—that it was simply a foolish speech.
But this letter"—she hesitated, then continued quickly, "you must explain this letter."
Anne thought for a moment.
"I can't explain it.
Some enemy has written it.
You know all about me, Mrs. Morley.
You read my credentials—you inquired as to my former situations at the Governess Institute where you engaged me.
I have nothing to conceal in my life, and certainly I have no idea of harming Daisy.
She came to my room and talked nonsense, which made me lose my temper.
I said a foolish thing, I admit, but surely knowing me as you do you will acquit me of meaning anything by a few wild words uttered in a hurry and without thought."
"Why did you make use of such an expression?" asked Morley.
"Because I was carried out of myself.
I have a strain of negro blood in me, and at times say more than I mean."
"And your negro blood will make you kill me," cried Daisy, with an expression of terror. "I am doomed—doomed!"
"Don't be a fool, child," said Morley roughly.
"She is a trifle hysterical," explained Mrs. Morley, comforting the girl, who was sobbing violently.
"Mr. Morley," said Anne, rising, "I don't know who wrote that letter, or why it should have been written.
Mr. Ware and I are friends, nothing more.
I am not in love with him, nor is he in love with me.
He has paid me no more attention than you have yourself."
"No, that is true enough," replied Morley, "and as Giles is engaged to Daisy I don't think he is the man to pay marked attention to another woman."
"Ah!
Giles is all right," cried Daisy angrily, "but she has tempted him."
"I deny that."
"You can deny what you like.
It is true, you know it is true."
"Daisy!
Daisy!" said Morley persuasively, whereupon she turned on him like a little fury.
"Don't you defend her.
You hate me as much as she does.
You are a——"
"Stop!" said Mrs. Morley, very pale. "Hold your tongue, Daisy.
My husband has treated you in the kindest manner.
When your father died you were left penniless.
He took you in, and both he and I have treated you like our own child.
Ungrateful girl, how can you speak so of those who have befriended you?"
"I do.
I shall.
You all hate me!" cried Daisy passionately. "I never wanted your help.
Giles would have married me long ago but for Mr. Morley.
I had no need to live on your charity.
I have a hundred a year of my own.
You brought that horrid woman down to steal Giles from me, and——"