There was no reason why these details which Robert had elicited by his questions should be repeated to her,--the promise of marriage, the interference of the Wesleyan minister, the use made of his name,--of all this he said nothing.

But she had now been told that which to her had been very dreadful, and she was not surprised that her brother should have been offended when he heard the same sad story.

She, of course, had at once pardoned the old offence.

A young wife when she is sure of her husband, will readily forgive all offences committed before marriage, and will almost be thankful for the confidence placed in her when offences are confessed.
But she could understand that a brother could not be thankful, and she would naturally exaggerate in her own mind the horror which he would feel at such a revelation.

Then the husband endeavoured to lighten the effect of what he had said.