“First, by giving me your word of honor that what passes at this interview between you and myself shall be considered strictly private and confidential. I make the request, not for my own sake, but for that of another person—a young lady.”
“Miss Leaton?” inquired the governor, dubiously.
“Another young lady, a stranger to you, and until this morning, to me also,” replied Malcolm, evasively.
“She is not in any way concerned in that Allworth poisoning affair, I hope, because, if she were, I would not give you the promise, you know?”
“Nor should I be likely to ask it. No, she was never in the county until about two weeks ago, and has never, in the least degree, transgressed the laws of the land.”
The governor paused in deep thought for a moment, and then cautiously answered:
“Well, Mr. Montrose, I have sufficient confidence in your integrity of mind to believe that you would not confide to me, or bind me to keep secret any conversation that it would be my duty to communicate, and so you have my promise that whatever may pass between us in this interview shall be held strictly confidential.”
“And that upon your word and honor?” inquired Malcolm, solemnly.
“Upon my word and honor, yes,” replied the governor, earnestly.
“Anderson, I have heard that the father of Eudora Leaton was your patron and best friend?” said Montrose.