If any one else told me that that sweet young lady had a hand in such a matter, I would think him a fool; but I am bound to follow my own conclusions.

I know well that just as unlikely persons have been proved guilty, when a whole court--all except the prosecution who knew the facts, and the judge who had taught his mind to wait--would have sworn to innocence.

I wouldn't, for all the world, wrong such a young lady; more especial when she has such a cruel weight to bear.

And you will be sure that I won't say a word that'll prompt anyone else to make such a charge.

That's why I speak to you in confidence, man to man.