"I will promise you anything you wish, Rule. And be glad to do so. Glad to do anything that will please you," she earnestly assured him.
"Then promise that whatever may happen, you will never tell any human being what you have told me to-night."
"I promise this on my honor, Rule."
"Promise that you will never repeat one word of this interview between us to any living being."
"I promise this, also, on my honor, Rule."
"That is all I ask, and it is exacted for your own sake, dear. The fair name of a woman is so white and pure that the smallest speck can be seen upon it. And now, dear, it is nearly eleven o'clock. Will you ring for your maid and go to your room? I have letters to write—in the library—which, I think, will occupy me the whole night," he said, as he took her hand and gently raised her to her feet.
At that moment a servant entered, bringing a card.
Mr. Rothsay took it toward the portiere and read it by the light of the chandelier in the front room.
"Show the gentleman to the library, and say that I will be with him in a few minutes," said Rothsay.
"If you please, sir, the lights are out and the library locked. I did not know that it would be wanted again to-night. But I will light up, sir."