And she added in a tone of prayer, as if to protect her son:
"At least that is the way I explain it—particularly since his promise."
"What promise?"
"Yesterday I asked him to put nothing definite between you and himself."
"Definite?"
"Yes, not to seek a divorce."
And in a lower voice, she added:
"I should never have survived it."
"What did he answer?" asked Elizabeth anxiously.
"After a slight hesitation, he replied: 'I promise you. Only, it is Elizabeth's right.' Elizabeth, I believe he will come back to us. Will you not help him?"