Chapter VI

My state of mind regarding the pilfering from which I had been so unexpectedly exonerated did not impel me to frank disclosure; but I hope it had some dregs of good at the bottom of it.
I do not recall that I felt any tenderness of conscience in reference to Mrs.Joe, when the fear of being found out was lifted off me.

But I loved Joe,--perhaps for no better reason in those early days than because the dear fellow let me love him,--and, as to him, my inner self was not so easily composed.

It was much upon my mind (particularly when I first saw him looking about for his file) that I ought to tell Joe the whole truth.

Yet I did not, and for the reason that I mistrusted that if I did, he would think me worse than I was.

The fear of losing Joe's confidence, and of thenceforth sitting in the chimney corner at night staring drearily at my forever lost companion and friend, tied up my tongue.