though it tears the heart from my breast, I will yield her up without question or parley as I am a gentleman and a Christian. Does that content you?”
“It certainly ought to, sir. No one could ask more, I am sure,” returned the other in a voice somewhat unsteady for her.
“It is opening my house to the gaze of a stranger,” said he, “for I desire you to command Paula to withhold nothing that seriously affects her; but my confidence in you is unbounded and I am sure that whatever you may learn in this way, will be held as sacred by you as though it were buried in a tomb.”
“It certainly will, sir.”
“As for the dearer hope which I have mentioned, time and the condition of things must decide for us. Meanwhile I shall strive to win a father’s place in her heart, if only to build myself a refuge for the days that are to come. You see I speak frankly, Miss Belinda; will you give me some token that you are not altogether dissatisfied with the result of this conversation?”