"There are truths that must not be spoken. You must not, you shall not say what you would repent of all your life."
"Who is to speak if I do not? I am the only one——"
"Am I fallen so low that I would let you proclaim the secrets of my coward heart? If my lips are sealed, so shall yours be," he cried, in great agitation. "If I have made a terrible mistake, it is my own mistake, and I shall abide by it."
"Paul—Paul,—" she clung more closely to him. "Say you forgive me, Paul."
"There is nothing to forgive. Take care. You nearly fell, Leo. Try to look where you are going in this dim light." The accents of forced composure fell like cold lead upon her heart. She had touched him for a moment, and a nerve had vibrated to her touch—but he was slipping from her again. He continued:—
"Since your penetration has discovered——"
"Say since I found out the truth, Paul."
"That, if you will." He bent his head. "I cannot, I dare not deny it. It is the truth, God help me—God help us both."
"You and me?" she whispered, faintly.
"Maud and me. I have done her a great wrong, but it shall be the aim of my life to repair it. She shall find me a true and faithful husband——"