I tossed up my hands in despair and began to stride up and down the room.
“There must be an end to this,” I cried sharply. “I must find some means of making you believe the truth.”
She rose and came to me.
“If I were in such danger as you think, would you help me?”
“Show me how and test me.” She looked long and anxiously in my face.
“Those are sweet words to hear,” she said, with a smile and a note of triumph.
I took her hands, and she left them in mine.
“Tell me all about these men, and let us together see what is best to do. The thought of your danger maddens me, Helga.”
“You will listen to me now—hear all I have to say; and then help me in the one purpose of my life?”
“I will help you, God knows, loyally in everything—in everything; but I cannot give you the kind of help you seek, because I am not the man you believe. You must not give me your confidence while you hold to that mistaken belief.”