Florence, did you tell me you had once held those doctrines in reverence?
Nay, that even now you lean to papacy ?" Stern was his tone, and cold and slightly contemptuous his glance.
A bitter, scornful smile wreathed the lips of his betrothed.

"I acknowledge neither the authority of questioning, nor allow the privilege of any on earth to impugn my motives or my actions.

Had I felt it incumbent on me to acquaint you with every circumstance of my past life, I should undoubtedly have done so, when you offered me your hand.

I felt no obligation to that effect, and consequently consulted my own inclinations.

If, for a moment, you had doubted me, or asked an explanation of the past, I should have scorned to dissemble with you; and now that the subject is broached you shall have the particulars, which, I assure you, have kept well, though, as you suppose, sometime withheld.