"I think so."
"Will you promise to keep secret whatever I may tell you?"
"Does it concern only yourself?"
"Only myself, and one other person whom you do not even know. If I venture to tell you anything, you must give me your solemn promise to betray me to no human being. I want your sympathy at least, for I feel desperate."
Looking pityingly at her pale sorrowful face and quivering mouth,
Regina drew closer to her.
"You may trust me. I will never betray you."
"Not to mamma, not to your guardian? You promise?"
Her cold hand seized her companion's, and wistfully her hollow eyes searched the girl's face.
"I promise."
"Would you help me to escape from the misery of this fine marriage? Are you brave enough to meet your guardian's black frown and freezing censure?