"Be frank with me, Elizabeth. Has North ever told you that he cared for you?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Before he went away—I mean that last night he was here."
"I feared as much!" he muttered. "And you, dear?" he continued gently.
"He said we might have to wait a long time—or I should have told you! He went away because he was too poor—"
There was a pause.
"Do you care for him, Elizabeth?" her father asked at length. "Do you wish me to understand that you are committed—are—"
"Yes," she answered quite simply.
"You are sure it is not just pity—you are sure, Elizabeth? For you know, right or wrong, he will probably come out of this with his reputation smirched."