"But are you strong enough to hear what I have to say?"
"Does it take strength to hear?"
"In your case—yes."
"Then I am strong." She moved closer and stood resolutely before him, looking into his eyes.
"Florence, I know your character; I know that your word is too sacred to break, but this is—is an unparalleled case, and you must be put under oath."
"Judge, instead of administering an oath, you ought to take medicine. Why, I never saw you this way before."
She was about to turn away from him, but he took her by the arm. "Look at me. You never saw me this way before. No. In all my experience I have never heard of a man being so situated. I am a novelty of distress. And you must know what my ailment is, but you must take an oath, a sacred oath, not to speak of it to any human being."
"But if it is so awful, why should I know it? Tell it to a physician."
"It is my duty to tell it to one human being, and you are the one."
"Then I will take the oath."