I would rather not answer now.' She reserved her answer till the next day, and came into his room with a solemn face.

'I cannot do what you wished!' she said passionately.

'It is too much to ask.

My whole life ha' been passed in this way.' Her words and manner showed that before entering she had been struggling with herself in private, and that the contention had been strong.
Stockdale turned pale, but he spoke quietly.

'Then, Lizzy, we must part.
I cannot go against my principles in this matter, and I cannot make my profession a mockery.