Marian was silent, not deeming an answer called for.
"And now, I ask you, how you could prevent it?"
"I shall not be required to prevent such an act, Thurston, as such a one never can take place. You speak so only to try your Marian's faith or temper—both are proof against jests, I think. Hitherto you have trifled with the young lady's affections for mere ennui and thoughtlessness, I do believe! but, now that some of the evil consequences have been suggested to your mind, you will abandon such perilous pastime. You are going to France soon—that will be a favorable opportunity of breaking off the acquaintance."
"And breaking her heart—who knows? But suppose now that I should prefer to marry her and take her with me?"
"Nay, of course, I cannot for an instant suppose such a thing."
"But in spite of all your warnings, were such an event about to take place?"
"In such an exigency I should divulge our marriage."
"You would?"
"Assuredly! How can you possibly doubt it? Such an event would abrogate my obligations to silence, and would impose upon me the opposite duty of speaking."
"I judged you would reason so," he said, bitterly.