"But," I protested, "then how will they ever know you are innocent?"
"They won't."
"Oh, but then you will be—" I began, with a wail.
"Wait, don't speak, don't answer until I have asked you another question," and the strong touch of his hand held me quiet. "Suppose I can't make it come out right—don't you think it is better to make a strike to get as near to the right as I can, instead of going on, getting deeper and deeper into the wrong?"
"Yes," I whispered. "Don't you?"
"I don't know," he said slowly. "I only know that since I have seen you I can't go on. After being with you only for this little while, after what you have told me, I can't go to her."
We faced each other in silence. My hands were clasped tightly in my lap but my heart went out to him in gratitude and thankfulness.
Then, bending a little toward me, "Now, have I your word?" he gently asked.
I could have promised him more than my word in that moment.
He smiled. "I know that I can trust you. I have seen that you have a loyal heart; but this promise shan't cost you anything. I shall answer no questions. Now, I shall have to send a message to Señora Valencia."