I must vindicate him; I must clear him!" I bent my face close to hers.

"But may I not marry you first ?" I asked--"and after that, I can help you to clear him." She gazed at me fearlessly.

"No, no!" she cried, clasping her hands; "much as I love you, dear Hubert, I cannot consent to it.

I am too proud!--too proud! I will not allow the world to say--not even to say falsely"-- her face flushed crimson; her voice dropped low--"I will not allow them to say those hateful words, 'He married a murderer's daughter.'" I bowed my head.

"As you will, my darling," I answered.