“Do not trust him, but promise me one thing.”
“Of course, I’ll promise you anything to make you happy. What is it?”
“That you will take no heed of any allegations he may make against me.”
She was intensely in earnest, and gazed at him with eyes that were entirely human in their quick sympathy, their gentleness—in their appeal to the world for a favouring word.
“Rest assured, nothing he may say will ever turn me from you, Valérie.”
She heaved a sigh of relief when he gave his answer.
“Somehow or other I am always being scandalised,” she exclaimed bitterly. “I have done nothing of which I am ashamed, yet my select circle of enemies seem to conspire to cause the world to deride me. Because I am unmarried, and do not believe in burying myself, they endeavour to besmirch my fair name.”
She spoke with a touch of emotion, which she ineffectually tried to hide.
Then, as Hugh addressed her in a tone in which respect melted into love, she quivered at the simple words in which he poured forth his whole soul:
“I love you. Why need you fear?”