It was the first time she had ever used it! She lowered her head and, clasping her hands, she went on constrainedly, so overcome with emotion she dared not let herself go.

"I want to tell you something, and ask you to forgive me.

I have learned the truth, that you did not marry me just for my uncle's money.

I know exactly what really happened now.

I am ashamed, humiliated, to remember what I said to you.