“If not——” said she in a low tone, looking beyond him.

“No—no,” he whispered. “I have given you my promise. You must give me yours. You will do nothing impious.”

She gave a wan smile.

“I am a girl,” she said. “My courage is as water. I promise you I will trust you, with all my heart—all my heart.”

“I shall not fail you—Heaven shall not fail you,” said he, going to the door.

He looked back at her. What a lovely picture she made, standing in her white loose gown with its lace collar that seemed to make her face the more pallid!

He bowed at the door.


CHAPTER XX.