The trial, and all that, is still before us--long days of agony--" "And you would send me away when you will most need me!" she said, with gentle reproach.
"I wish to spare you--" "But wherever I am, it will be the same!" "No, no,--you must forget--!" "If I can't,--what then ?" she asked, looking up into his face.
"I want you to try!" he urged.
She shook her head.
"Dear, I have lived through all this; I have asked myself if I really cared so much that nothing counted against the little comfort I might be to you; so much that the thought of what I am to you would outweigh every other consideration, and I am sure of myself.

If I were not, I should probably wish to escape from it all.

I am as much afraid of public opinion as any one, and as easily hurt, but my love has carried me beyond the point where such things matter!" "My dear! My dear! I am not worthy of such love." "You must let me be the judge of that." "Suppose the verdict is--guilty ?" he asked.
"No,--no, it will never be that!" But the color left her cheeks.
"I don't suppose it will be," agreed North hastily.
It was a cruel thing to force this doubt on her.
"You won't send me away, John ?" she entreated.

"If I were to leave Mount Hope now it would break my heart! I--we--my father and I, wish every one to know that our confidence in you is unshaken." North turned to the general with a look of inquiry, of appeal.

Something very like a sigh escaped the older man's lips, but he squared his shoulders manfully for the burdens they must bear.