But the very enormity of the iniquity makes me doubt it.

As far as I can judge, Caldigate is a high-spirited, honest gentleman, to whom the perpetration of so great a sin would hardly suggest itself.' 'But if,--but if--! Think of her condition, Tom!' 'You would have to think of your own, if you were to attempt to tell her to leave him.' 'That means that you are afraid of her.' 'It certainly means that I should be very much afraid if I thought of taking such a liberty.

If I believed it to be my duty, I hope that I would do it.' 'You are her clergyman.' 'Certainly.

I christened her child.

I preach to her twice every Sunday.
And if she were to die I should bury her.' 'Is that all ?' 'Pretty nearly;--except that I generally dine at the house once a week.' 'Is there nothing further confided to you than that ?' 'If she were to come to me for advice, then it would be my duty to give her what advice I thought to be best; and then--' 'Well, then ?' 'Then I should have to make up my mind,--which I have not done at present,--I should have to make up my mind, not as to his guilt, for I believe him to be innocent, but as to the expediency of a separation till a jury should have acquitted him.