I only wish to understand you," replied Mrs.Hartley.

"You have brought against me a vague accusation.

I wish it distinct, that I may affirm or deny it." "Edith Walter," said Edwin Florence, in a low, unsteady voice, after he had been silent for nearly a minute.
Mrs.Hartley looked earnestly into his face.

Every muscle was quivering.
"What of her ?" she inquired, in tones quite as low as those in which the young man had spoken.
"You know the history." "Well ?" "And, regardless of my suffering and repentance, made known to Clara the blasting secret." "No! By my hopes of heaven, no!" quickly exclaimed Mrs.Hartley.
"No ?" A quiver ran through the young man's frame.
"No, Mr.Florence! That rested as silently in my own bosom as in yours." "Who, then, informed her ?" "No one." "Has she not heard of it ?" "No." "Why, then, did she change towards me ?" "You changed, first, towards her." "Me!" "Yes.

From the day of her arrival in New York, she perceived in you a certain coldness and reserve, that increased with each repeated interview." "Oh, no!" "It is true.