"I have given you my promise, and do you suppose I have no sense of honor ?" A retort rose to her lips, but she suppressed it.

"None of us can be sure of the future," she replied.

"You know what happened when my dear father died." Overcome by that tender memory, she covered her eyes with her hand, and the tears stole through her fingers.
He attempted to kiss away the tears, but she drew back, and went on to say: "At that time I learned the bitter significance of the law, 'The child shall follow the condition of the mother.' It was not mainly on my own account that I sent for you, Mr.Fitzgerald.I wish to secure my child from such a dreadful contingency as well-nigh ruined me and my sister." She blushed, and lowered her eyes as she spoke.
"O Rosa!" he exclaimed.

The impulse was strong to fold her to his heart; but he could not pass the barrier of her modest dignity.
After an embarrassed pause, she looked up bashfully, and said, "Knowing this, you surely will not refuse to write it now." "I must see a lawyer and obtain witnesses," he replied.
She sighed heavily.

"I don't know what forms are necessary," said she.
"But I beg of you to take such steps as will make me perfectly secure against any accidents.