I put out my hand to him when I said "promise me," but he did not take it, and turned his head away from me.
"I shall not marry Charlotte Benson," he said; "but I cannot understand what difference it makes to you." It was now my turn to be silent, and I shrank back a step or two in great confusion.
He raised his head, and looked steadily at me for a moment, and then said: "Pauline, you did a great many things, but I don't think you ever willingly deceived me.

Did you ?" I shook my head without looking lip.
"Then be careful what you do now, and let the past alone," he said, and his voice was almost stern.
I trembled, and turned pale.
"Women sometimes play with dangerous weapons," he said; "I don't accuse you of meaning to give pain, but only of forgetting that some recollections are not to you what they are to me.

I never want to interfere with any one's comfort or enjoyment; I only want to be let alone.

I do very well, and am not unhappy.

About marrying, now or ever, I should have thought you would have known.