So tell me the plain truth; come." Rose turned chill in her inside.

"I have no lover," she stammered.

"I have a young fool that comes and teases me: but it is no secret.

He is away, but why?
he is on a sickbed, poor little fellow!" "But your sister?
She could not have a lover unknown to you." "I defy her.

No, sir; I have not seen her speak three words to any young man except Monsieur Riviere this three years past." "That is enough;" and he tore the letter quietly to atoms.
Then Rose saw she could afford a little more candor.