"
"Oh, I do, Lieutenant Brant. It is not doubt of you at all; but I am
not sure, even within my own heart, that I am doing just what is right.
Besides, it will be so difficult to make you, almost a stranger,
comprehend the peculiar conditions which influence my action. Even now
you suspect that I am deceitful--a masked sham like those others we
discussed to-night; but I have never played a part before, never
skulked in the dark. To-night I simply had to do it."
Her voice was low and pleading, her eyes an appeal; and Brant could not
resist the impulse to comfort.
"Then attempt no explanation," he said, gently, "and believe me, I
shall continue to trust you. To-night, whatever your wish may be, I
will abide by it. Shall I go, or stay? In either case you have
nothing to fear."
She drew a deep breath, these open words of faith touching her more
strongly than would any selfish fault-finding.
"Trust begets trust," she replied, with new firmness, and now gazing
frankly into his face. "You can walk with me a portion of the way if
you wish, but I am going to tell you the truth,--I have an appointment
with a man.
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