“I scorn myself when I think how low an estimate of my character you must have formed to believe this tale. Could I, the Florence whose early years were spent in listening to the teachings of my good, prudent mother, have stooped to the secret addresses of a profligate, and a clandestine marriage?”
Mr. Aylwinne seized her hand.
“You are right; and I was mad, blind to be so easily duped. Only give me your own explanation of your visits to the Albany, and I promise to be satisfied.”
“That is quickly given. I went as the bearer on each occasion of a note from my poor father, whom Lieutenant Mason, by the most specious pretenses, tricked of the only sum of money remaining to us. It was the knowledge that he had ruined us that occasioned my dismay. But do you think that I can be satisfied until my innocence of all connection with this man is fully proved? No, Frank—no! By the memory of my mother I vow that I will never be your wife till that has been done!”
“Florence,” he cried wildly, “unsay those rash words! Mason is no more, and you know full well that there is no one else who can attest the falsity of his servant’s story.”
But Florence would stay to hear no more. Repeating: “I will never become your wife till the slur upon my name has been removed,” she would have fled the room. Mr. Aylwinne saw her intention, and put his back against the door.
“You shall not leave me in anger. I have been over-credulous, I know; yet make some excuses for me. Remember how I saw you: veiled deeply, and evidently in much agitation, earnestly seeking an interview with a young and handsome man, notorious for his gallantry. Can you wonder that, seeing you thus, I was only too ready to believe what I was told?”
Florence flung herself upon his breast with a bitter cry.
“No—no; I do not wonder that you thought the worst of me! Neither do you blame me that I keep to my vow even though our separation rends my heart. Your wife, my Frank, must be above suspicion. I could not be happy if I were yours. The slightest cloud on your brow, the slightest change in your voice, would fill me with dread that your suspicions were returning. Ah, Frank, I cannot—dare not give you my hand until no shadow of so fearful an estrangement can come between us.”
For a moment her lips were pressed to his; and then, resisting all further efforts to detain her, Florence tore herself from his embrace.