He would tax her with the possession of the missing deed, and call upon her to cleanse herself from the accusation which was made against her.

Once again he would be harsh with her--harsh in appearance only--in order that his subsequent tenderness might be so much more tender! She had already borne much, and she must be made to endure once again.

Did not he mean to endure much for her sake?
Was he not prepared to recommence the troubles and toil of his life all from the beginning, in order that she might be that life's companion?
Surely he had the right to put her through the fire, and prove her as never gold was proved before.
At last the little light was quenched, and Anton Trendellsohn felt that he was alone.

The unseen companion of his thoughts was no longer with him, and it was useless for him to remain there standing in the archway.

He blew her a kiss from his lips, and blessed her in his heart, and protested to himself that he knew she would come out of the fire pure altogether and proved to be without dross.