"Yes, in the moonlight, but he passed me quickly."
"But you saw he was handsome?"
"One of the handsomest men I have ever seen," I assented, to please her.
"Yes, yes. That is just it, and as good as he is handsome."
"I could not see that, of course," I answered; and then was silent. I was growing very anxious as I saw the problem widening and deepening. Poor trustful little soul! How should I ever break the truth to her and not break her heart at the same time?
There was a long pause, which she broke. "Oh, how I hope he has really escaped, as you say."
"How came you to be where I saw you?" I asked. This reminded her, as I intended, that she had told me nothing yet.
"I said I was selfish, Christabel, didn't I? I had quite forgotten I had told you nothing. I will tell you: but you must first give me a promise not to repeat it. Our marriage is only a secret so far, you know."
"On my honour, I will do nothing to harm you. Why is your marriage a secret?"
"My husband is afraid of his father's anger. You see, Karl—"