"Can I not warn him?"
"No, Lady Isabelle, you owe it to me to keep silence, at least for the next few days. In telling you this, to relieve your anxiety, I have exceeded my instructions, and placed my honour in your hands."
"It shall be held sacred; but who is to warn my husband?"
"I'll do so, if you wish."
"I can never be sufficiently grateful, if you will."
"Then we'll consider that settled," he said.
"You've been a true friend to me," she replied, taking his hand, "and I've ill repaid you for your kindness."
"Don't think of that," he said, and turned away, heavy-hearted; for now he fancied he knew the worst.