But, to satisfy her conscience, which she could not stifle, and to provide some excuse for her action, and still more, to brace the hope she tried to cherish that he really meant truly by her, she wrote:
"If I will meet you at the boat Monday evening, will you surely marry me? Promise me on your sacred honor."
Van Dam muttered, with a low laugh, as he read the note:
"That's a rich joke, for her to accept such a proposition as mine, especially after all that has happened, and still prate of 'sacred honor.'"
But he unhesitatingly, promptly, and with many protestations assured her that he would, and at once prepared to carry out his part of the programme.
"What's the use of half-way lies?" he said, carelessly.
On Monday Edith again took the early train with the valuables of which she designed to dispose. Zell had said indifferently:
"You may take anything I have left except my watch and chain."
But Laura had insisted on sending her watch, saying, "I really wish to do something, Edith. I've left all the burden on you too long."
Mrs. Allen sighed, and said, "Take any thing you please."