"No, Edward; don't draw inferences which you may regret. He is travelling as he proposed to do. Why he doesn't write I don't pretend to explain. He may have written frequently and the letters be still delayed. You have told me nothing as yet which is disgraceful; unworthy an honorable man. (You see I overheard Marion's expressions.) Nothing to lead me even to a desire to forget the words, 'I promise to love, honor and obey Paul Dudley; to cling to him till death us do part.' You are prejudiced, Edward; Paul observed the change and mourned it. You will live to regret you suspected him. The year is not out. You know he is not aware he has a son; and you will see that he will either return or send for me to join him, and I shall go."
[CHAPTER XV.]
SALE OF THE ROCKS.
SHE was turning to leave the room, when he placed his hand on hers.
"Wait one minute, sister. I have not yet done; but I am more proud of you than I ever was in my life. If I thought any one would ever love me with such disinterested affection, I should be very happy. You have proved yourself strong to endure, and I will tell you all."
For one instant she turned pale and putting up her hand murmured:
"Wait," but presently with a flashing eye, added:
"Well, what more did you hear?"
"That my brother-in-law has fallen into bad habits; that he has been seen in the lowest company, especially since Mr. Curtis left him;—that the party who travelled with him have excluded him from their circle. Is not that enough?"
"I do not believe one word of it; and I shall tell him so. Will you have the goodness to ascertain from your friend where a letter will reach my husband?"