“Earle, is it possible? And is that why you are going away?” she asked, eagerly. “Have you found out who did the deed?”
“No, not quite that; but I have a clew, and I wish I need not go just now; but other business of the most important nature demands it. I had fondly hoped that before many weeks should elapse I should be able to come to you and tell you that no stain rests on my name.”
Editha’s eyes fell beneath his earnest glance. Well she knew what would follow if he could once tell her that.
“But, of course,” he went on, “all my work in that direction will now have to be suspended for awhile. But, Editha,” leaning toward her and scanning her drooping face with great earnestness, “is your faith in me as strong as ever?”
“Yes, Earle.”
Very sweet and low but firm came the reply.
“And you will still trust me, even though I may be away a long time?”
“Always, Earle.”
But this with a quick, deep sigh.
He looked at her still, his lips trembling as if he longed to say something, yet hesitated. Then he sat suddenly erect and folded his arms tight across his chest, as if to still the heavy beating of his heart.