"Most people," he said, "would call me a criminal for what I am going to say—and you a fool if you listen. Alicia, will you face it all and come to me?" and he drew nearer to her. "I know what I ask—but I know too what I have to give."
"Let me go," she gasped, as though his hand were on her.
"Can you do it?" he asked. "I needn't tell you to think what it means."
"I don't mind that," she broke out suddenly. "Don't think it's that. I would face all that if—if I could——"
"Trust me?"
She bowed her head.
"You can never trust me again?"
"Why make me say it?"
"But it is so?"
Again she bowed her head.