"Why, mamma?"
Her mother sank to her knees beside the bed, holding her hand. "My darling," said she, half sobbing, "there is no more need for concealment between your mother and you. When you were delirious I sat beside you—I had to listen to what you said—and I know—I know your pitiful secret."
There was a long, deep silence. At last Virginia spoke.
"Mother, tell me what you mean. What do you know?"
"I know that Osbert has been cruel to you. I know that you go in fear of his cruelty," came the whispered answer.
There was another silence. "Well, mamma, if that were true? I do not say it is true, but if it were, what then?"
"What then? Why, Virgie, then you must be rescued from him. He must be a madman if he could ill-treat you, and the law will protect you against him."
For a moment the eyes of the girl in the bed lit up with a flaming hope. For a moment she turned to her mother with a rush of eager, palpitating confidence. Then a new look crossed her face, which grew composed and firm. Her voice was not sad, but steady as she replied: "I have sworn."
"Sworn, Virgie? Darling, what do you mean by that?"
"I have sworn to love him," was the answer. "I am his wife."