I am a man of the world, and comprehend fully those temptations which come to all of us.

I can let the dead past bury its dead, satisfied with the present and the future.

Only tell me the truth, the naked truth, and let me combat in the open against whatever it is that stands between us.

Beth, Beth, this is life or death to me!" She stood staring at him, her face gone haggard, her eyes full of misery.

Suddenly she sank upon her knees beside a chair, and, with a moan, buried her countenance within her hands.
"Beth," he asked, daring to touch her trembling hair, "have I hurt you?
Have I done wrong to speak thus ?" A single sob shook the slender, bowed figure, the face still hidden.
"Yes," she whispered faintly, "you have hurt me; you have done wrong." "But why ?" he insisted.