And without proof I wouldn't have believed it of him.

But at least you must believe he had no part in--in the other--" "I do believe it," said Gavin, gently, touched to the heart by her grief and shame.

"At first, I was certain he had connived at it.

But what you overheard proves he didn't." "Thank you," she said simply.
This time it was his hand that sought hers.

And, even as she, he was unconscious of the action.
"You mustn't let this distress you so," he soothed, noting her effort to fight back the tears.