"No," she replied, with an air of determination. "It is my own affair. I have acted foolishly and must bear the consequences."
"But surely you will not sacrifice our love rather than tell me the truth!" I cried.
Hot tears welled in her eyes, and I felt her frail form tremble beneath my touch.
"Alas! I am compelled," she faltered.
"Then you refuse to tell me—you refuse to explain why this man whom I believed to be my friend, and to whom I have rendered many services, has held you in his thraldom?" I exclaimed bitterly.
CHAPTER XIV.
REVEALS A FURTHER DECEPTION.
My love paused. She remained silent for a long time. Then, with her head bowed, she faltered:
"Yes. I—I am compelled to refuse."