"But you will not tell him?" said Mrs. Orme, sharply.
"No; I am not authorised to do that."
"But he will entice it from you! He is a lawyer, and he will wind anything out from a plain, chivalrous man of truth and honour."
"My dear, Mr. Round I believe is a good man."
"But if he asks you the question, what will you say?"
"I will tell him to ask me no such question."
"Oh, father, be careful. For her sake be careful. How is it that you know the truth;—or that I know it? She told it here because in that way only could she save you from that marriage. Father, she has sacrificed herself for—for us."
Sir Peregrine when this was said to him got up from his chair and walked away to the window. He was not angry with her that she so spoke to him. Nay; he acknowledged inwardly the truth of her words, and loved her for her constancy. But nevertheless they were very bitter. How had it come to pass that he was thus indebted to so deep a criminal? What had he done for her but good?
"Do not go from me," she said, following him. "Do not think me unkind."
"No, no, no," he answered, striving almost ineffectually to repress a sob. "You are not unkind."