'Why, Jessie, what things you are saying!'
'I must say them, Chris, for I know what is in my mind. Answer me this question. Supposing you were not fond of me, as I know you are--I don't mind saying it now, for I am speaking very seriously--would you think then that I was right? Do you side with me out of your head or out of your heart?'
'My reason approves of what you did,' I said earnestly; 'I want you to believe that, Jessie. Say that you do believe it.'
'I do, Chris.'
'Then you must be glad to know that I am certain you are not to blame.'
She shook her head again, and said:
'Perhaps it would have been better if all of you had been against me.'
'But who is against you, Jessie?' I persisted. 'Mother is not, and I am not.'
'Never mind that now, Chris. I can see things that you can't see, because----'and she took my hand, and looked straight into my eye.'
'Because what, Jessie?'