"Because no other name is possible. I promised because I was obliged to promise: and now I am keeping my word, because I promised."
"Your poor mother says she will die, if you do not tell her where Lorand is."
"And Lorand told me he will die if I do tell her. He told me that, when I discovered his whereabouts to mother or grandmother, he will either report himself at the nearest military station, or will shoot himself, according as he feels inclined. And in our family such promises are not wont to dissolve in thin air."
"What might have been his reason for exacting such a promise from you?"
"I do not know. But I know he would not have done it without cause. I beg you to leave me."
"Wait a moment," said Fanny, standing before me. "You said Lorand made you swear not to tell your mother or grandmother where he had gone to. He did not forbid you to tell another?"
"Naturally not," I answered with irritated pride. "He knew all along that there has not yet been born into the world that other who could force the truth out of me with red-hot pincers."
"But that other has been born," interrupted Fanny with wild earnestness. "Just twelve years, eight months and five days ago."
I looked at her.
"I should tell you? is that what you think?"