The look of sorrow in her eyes instantly effaced from Idris' mind all resentment for his father's wrongs. The oath sworn to his mother in childhood's days became forgotten.
"Lady Walden," he replied, "if there be anything on my part to forgive, I freely forgive. I cannot blame you for seeking to shield your father's name."
The look of gratitude that came over her face thrilled Idris, who would gladly have forgiven her ten times as much for such a glance as she now gave him.
She had expected to be treated with coldness, if not with anger by Idris, instead of which she received from him the same tender respect as heretofore. She trembled with secret pleasure to think that she still held a place in his regard.
"And now you know the truth, you will publish it to the world," she said.
"I think not," he replied, speaking slowly and thoughtfully. "No, I am sure I shall not."
"You will not redeem your father's memory from guilt?" said Lorelie, with a little gasp of surprise. "Why not?"
"Because the fair name of Lady Walden must not be darkened by the shadow of the past."
Her eyes drooped. She had no need to ask why he was desirous of shielding her name from reproach, knowing full well that it was from love of her.
"But this—this is not just," she said in a low voice.