“The truth of what?”
“Of the strange events which have led up to this desperate attempt to take my life.”
“But who attacked you?” I demanded. “Tell me, and assuredly he shall not escape punishment.”
She paused. Her eyes met mine firmly.
“No,” she answered. “It is impossible to tell you. To attempt a retaliation would only prove fatal.”
“Fatal!” I echoed. “Why?”
“All that has been attempted is of the past,” she responded. “It is best that it should remain as it is. If you seek out that man, there will be brought upon us a vengeance more terrible than it is possible to contemplate. Do not ask me to divulge the identity of this man, for I cannot.”
“You will not, you mean,” I said in a hard voice.
“No,” she answered hoarsely. “No, I dare not.”
“Then you fear this man who has attempted to kill you—this man who sought to take you from me!” I cried fiercely. “Surely I, the man you are to marry, have a right to demand this assassin’s name.”