"And--you said--what?"
"What could I say, but that I was in your confidence, and that I declined to betray it?"
"And you told him nothing--nothing?"
"No, in spite of prayers and threats, I of course divulged nothing."
Was it a shade of disappointment that for a moment clouded Pearl's eyes Mr. Hall found himself wondering? At any rate, there was a pause before she continued in a low voice:
"You were quite--quite right, Mr. Hall. Thank you. Then you think he has got no trace?"
"Even with the aid of detectives whom, I hear, he has since been employing, I don't fancy he has so far discovered your whereabouts. But-- but----"
"But--you think there is danger that he may do so?"
"I should say there was every danger. For one thing, he could easily have me followed."
He hesitated, then continued: "My dear child, you have honoured me with your entire confidence in this matter, and you must not think that I wish to take advantage of this fact if, before you finally decide to take this important step, I beg of you to reconsider. You love this man, and he loves you. His dearest wish--I know from his own lips--is to make you his wife. Think what you are giving up, Pearl, by flinging this all away, by flying from him. Love, happiness, honour. You--"