From her own father, even, she was compelled to hide the actual facts.

They were too terrible.

What would he think if the bitter truth were exposed?
The man at her side, tall, brave, strong--a lover whom she knew many girls coveted--believed that he was to marry her.

But, she told herself within her grief-stricken heart, such a thing could never be.

A barrier stood between them, invisible, yet nevertheless one that might for ever debar their mutual happiness.
An involuntary sigh escaped her, and he inquired the reason.