This was not the way to soothe a woman whom he believed to be greatly maligned.

With an exclamation indicative of his feelings, he was about to address some hasty words to the composed, almost smiling, man who confronted him, when Mrs.Packard herself spoke with unexpected self-control, if not disdain.
"You are a very honest man, Mr.Steele.I commend the nicety of your scruples and am quite ready to trust myself to them.

I own to no blot, in my past or present life, calling for public arraignment.

If my statement of the fact is not enough, I here swear on the head of my child--" "No, no," he quickly interpolated, "don't frighten the baby.

Swearing is not necessary; I am bound to believe your word, Mrs.Packard." And lifting a sheet of paper from a pile lying on the table before him, he took a pencil from his pocket and began making lines to amuse the child dancing on his knee.
Mrs.Packard's eyes opened in wonder mingled with some emotion deeper than distaste, but she said nothing, only watched in a fascinated way his moving fingers.