"I do," she said.
"Now, answer me again. Have you ever loved or cared for any one else, as you say you do for me?"
"Never," was the quiet reply.
"Pray pardon the question—have you received the attentions of any lover before receiving mine?"
"Certainly not," she said, wondering still more.
"I have all your affection, your confidence, your trust; you have never duped or deceived me; you have been open, truthful, and honest with me?"
"You forget yourself, Lionel," she said, with gentle dignity; "you should not use such words to me."
"Answer!" he returned. "You have to do with a desperate man. Have you deceived me?"
"Never," she replied, "In thought, word, or deed."
"Merciful Heaven!" he cried. "That one can be so fair and so false!"