"You mean you will not," he said.
"I cannot. I am bound by a promise," she answered.
"It was a foolish promise. The time has come when you must break it," he answered, steadily. "You must clear yourself in Mrs. Desmond's eyes, and reconcile her to her husband. Do you know that they are separated on your account?"
"I heard you say so," she replied.
"It is true, and I am their lawyer. Will you let me write to Mrs. Desmond, and tell her the name of the man who is really in fault, and for whose sin she has deserted her innocent husband?"
"I cannot," she moaned again, in a voice of agony. "I am bound by a sacred promise. Bitter as the consequences are, I must keep it!"
It seemed incredible to him that this frail, slight girl should hold her secret so resolutely in the face of the trouble it had caused.
"But, Golden, think a moment," he began.
"I have thought until my brain is almost wild," she interrupted, pitifully. "But I can see no possible loophole out of my solemn vow of silence."