I did not consult you about the step I have taken, because I dared not trust you with my secret.

You would have tried to hold me back from the perilous leap, fondly hoping for some other way of escape.

I had resolved on putting an impassable gulf between me and danger, if I died in the attempt.

I have taken the leap, and may God care for me! "I have laid up in my heart of hearts, dearest of fathers, the precious life-truths that so often fell from your lips.

Not a word that you ever said about the sacredness of marriage has been forgotten.