"Yes," said she, with hesitation.
"By violence, too?"
She did not reply, but covered her face with her handkerchief, and bit it, apparently in efforts to control her sobs.
"Can I assist you--be of service to you in any way?" I urged, in a pleading tone; for her whole air and appearance interested me.
"No, sir; none can assist me now."
"None?"
"Save God, and even He seems to abandon me."
"What is the meaning of this despair?" I asked, after a pause. "It is a lovers' quarrel, I presume; and if so--"
"O no, sir; he is no lover of mine--now, at least."
"He--who?"