Deep silence reigned between them. Neither appeared willing to break it. At length Mr. Leonard spoke:
“You have done me a great service, Jennie,” he said. “To me and to Mr. Elkton both, in fact. Of course all charges against him will now be withdrawn, and he can be released at once. I am sorry you took the precipitate step you did in leaving my house. I hope that you will now return.”
“Not until John Elkton is fully vindicated,” she firmly replied.
“But he will be vindicated. I could not do otherwise than I did. His refusal to explain forced me to this arrest. You must return home, Jennie.”
“I have other reasons for not doing so,” was her resolute answer.
“Other reasons?”
“Yes; you hinted at something disgraceful connected with me; yet refused to tell me what it was. You must explain this mystery ere I set foot in your house again.”
“You would force me to a most unpleasant task,” he replied.
“Be it so, sir. There are certain paths it is best never to start on, for there is no turning back.”
“You would oblige me now to do you the only injury I have ever thought of.”