Both of us were very excited. We were moved to talk in an unconventional strain.
"Mr. Temple told me of your interview together last night."
A slight flush came to her face. "But Mr. Temple has told you the condition of the promise as well," she said.
"Yes; but that condition makes me hopeless."
"What!" she cried. "But no, I will not entertain such a thought. You are as innocent as I am."
"Yes, I am innocent in thought, in intent, and in heart; but as for the deed itself, I know not."
"I do not understand you," she said; "you speak in words that convey no meaning to my mind. Will you explain?"
"I cannot, Miss Forrest. I would give all I possess if I could. I have nothing that I would keep secret from you, and yet I cannot tell you that which you would know."
Did she understand me? Did her quick mind guess my condition? I could not tell, and yet a strange look of intelligence flashed from her eyes.
"Mr. Blake," she said, "my soul loathes the thought of marrying that man. If ever my promise has to be fulfilled, I shall die the very day on which he calls me wife."