"I do love you!" he burst out; "and it is because of my love for you that I keep silent. On that fatal day Edermont, beside himself with terror, betrayed to me a secret he had better have kept hidden. That secret parts us for ever. I dare not marry you."
"You dare not? What secret can have the power to make you say such words?"
"If I told you that, I should tell you all," replied Allen sullenly. "Do not try me beyond my strength, Dora. If you suffer, I suffer also. For your own sake I keep silent, and I love you too dearly to inflict unnecessary pain."
"What you might inflict can be no worse than what you have inflicted," said Dora bitterly. "I see it is useless to ask you to confide in me. But one word: has this secret to do with Mr. Edermont's death?"
Allen hesitated; then, turning away his head:
"I cannot answer you," he said resolutely.
"Oh!" said Dora in a taunting tone; "then you know something about the death."
"I know nothing," replied Allen, with a white face.
"Yes, you do. Your refusal to explain shows me that the secret has to do with the murder. Perhaps Mr. Edermont told you the name of the person he was afraid of. Well, that person perhaps carried out his wicked purpose."
"Why do you say 'perhaps'?" asked Allen suddenly. "You seem to be doubtful."