They were so fond of him, so devoted to him who was their only child, that he was assured they would not and could not cast him off, nor hate that which he loved.
He did not know that his father, who had never before been guilty of a base action,--his mother, who was fine to daintiness,--were both so warped by this senseless and cruel feeling--having seen Francesca and known all her beautiful and noble elements of personal character--as to have written her a letter which only a losel should have penned and an outcast read.

She did not tell him.

Being satisfied that they two belonged to one another; that if they were separated it would be as the tearing asunder of a perfect whole, leaving the parts rent and bleeding,--she would not listen to any voice that attempted, nor heed any hand that strove to drive an entering wedge, or to divide them.

Why, then, should she trouble him by the knowledge that this effort had again been made, and by those he trusted and honored.

Let it pass.