But what charge could he bring against you?
Why, if even he dared to utter a single word against you, I--I'd wring the ruffian's neck!" "But if he did, Walter, you wouldn't believe him, would you ?" "Of course I wouldn't." "Not--not if the charge he made against me was a terrible one--a--a disgraceful one ?" she asked in a strained voice after a brief and painful pause.
"Why, dearest!" he cried, "what is the matter?
You are really not yourself to-day.

You seem to be filled with a graver apprehension even than I am.

What does it mean?
Tell me." "It means, Walter, that that man is Lady Heyburn's friend; hence he is my enemy." "And what need you fear when you have me as your friend ?" "I do not fear if you will still remain my friend--always--in face of any allegation he makes." "I love you, darling.

Surely that's sufficient guarantee of my friendship ?" "Yes," she responded, raising her white, troubled face to his while he bent and kissed her again on the lips.

"I know that I am yours, my own well-beloved; and, as yours, I will not fear." "That's right!" he exclaimed, endeavouring to smile.