She gazed at him in tender surprise; for weeks past he had not been so happy. The trouble by which he had been haunted took flight.
"And yet," he could not help saying, "you have a secret, and you keep it from me!"
His voice was almost gay; there was no touch of reproach in it.
"The secret is not mine, Gabriel," she said, and she allowed him to pass his arm around her; her head sank upon his breast. "When you know all, you will approve," she murmured. "As I trust you, so must you trust me."
Their lips met; perfect confidence and faith were established between them, although on Lauretta's side there had been no shadow on the love she gave him.
It was late in the afternoon when Carew was informed that Father Daniel wished to speak to him privately. He kissed Lauretta and went out to the priest, in whose face he saw a new horror.
"I should be the first to tell them," said Father Daniel in a husky voice, "but I am not yet strong enough. They will learn soon enough without me. It is known only to a few."
"What is known?" asked Carew. "Is Emilius found?"
"No," replied the priest, "but Eric is. I would not have him removed until the magistrate, who is absent and has been sent for, arrives. Come with me."
In a state of wonder Carew accompanied Father Daniel out of Doctor Louis's house, and the priest led the way to the woods.