“That was not your opinion, father, when you spoke so distrustingly of the young man.”
“Did I speak distrustfully of him?”
“Yes, father, and I agree with you; I think that he deceived us.”
“That he deceived us, daughter! If I judged him thus, I acted like most men who condemn without proof. I have received nothing but professions of devotion from this Ordener.”
“And how do you know, father, that those cordial words did not hide treacherous thoughts?”
“Usually men disregard misfortune and disgrace. If this Ordener were not attached to me, he would not have visited my prison without a purpose.”
“Are you sure,” replied Ethel, feebly, “that he had no purpose in coming here?”
“What could it be?” eagerly asked the old man.
Ethel was silent.
It was too great an effort for her to continue to accuse her beloved Ordener, whom she had formerly defended against her father.