“You have not considered that the deletion you intend will destroy my father,” she said quietly.
“There is my Christian duty to consider,” answered he, but without boldness now.
“Perhaps. But there is something you must set against it. Have you no duty as a lover—no duty to me?”
“No earthly duty can weigh against a spiritual obligation....”
“Ah, wait! Have patience. You have not well considered, that is plain. In coming here in secret you wronged my father. You will not trouble to deny it.
“Jointly we wronged him, you and I. Will you then take advantage of something learnt whilst you were hiding there like a thief from the consequences of what you did, and so do him yet this further wrong?”
“Must I wrong my conscience?” he asked her sullenly.
“Indeed, I fear you must.”
“Imperil my immortal soul?” He almost laughed.
“You talk in vain.”