'Is it what I've been afraid of?
No, not that! Is it the worst of all?
You must tell me now.

You don't love me if you keep away the truth.

I can't have anything between you and me.' A dry sob choked her; she gasped for breath.

Emma, fearful lest the very life was escaping from her embrace, drew away and looked in anguish.
Her involuntary tears had ceased, but she could no longer practise deception.

The cost to Jane was greater perhaps than if she knew the truth.