"Will you recall your vow, child; never—under any circumstances that the world can bring forth—to accept my love?" he whispered. "Oh, Anne, my darling! it would be cruel of you to part us."
Never more would I doubt him, never more. True, kind, good, his face was bent, waiting for the answer. My whole heart, my trust went out to him, then and for ever. I lifted my eyes with all their love, and stole my hand into his. Down came his kisses upon my lips by way of sealing the compact.
"And so you are willing to trust me without the explanation?"
How willing, none save myself could tell.
"Quite willing," I whispered. "I am certain you have not been guilty of any crime."
"Never; so help me heaven," he fervently answered. "But disgrace reflects upon me, for all that, and you must give your final decision when you have heard it."
Oh, but he knew; the smile on his face betrayed it; that I should never go back from him again.
I sat down in my chair: he put his elbow on the mantelpiece as before.
"Anne, you will not run away from Chandos now?"
"Not to-morrow, sir."