“I have no means of knowing by what right he could pretend to exact such a promise, which, to say the least, is a very unusual one.”
“There was no question of a right in the matter. Mr. Calvert was here as our friend, associating with us in close intimacy, enjoying our friendship and out confidence, and if he had reasons of his own for the request, they were enough for us.”
“That does not satisfy me, Florence,” said he, gravely.
“I am sorry for it I have no other explanation to give you.”
“Well; I mean to be more explicit. Has he told you of a correspondence that passed between us?”
“Once for all, Joseph, I will not be drawn into this discussion. Rightfully, or the reverse, I have given my word, and I will keep it.”
“Do you mean to say that to any mention of this man’s name, or to any incident in which it will occur, you will turn a deaf ear, and not reply?”
“I will not speak of him.”
“Be it so. But you will listen to me when I speak of him, and you will give my words the same credence you accord to them on other things. This is surely not asking too much?”
“It is more, however, than I am willing to grant.”