I could not bear to have you think so; though, Heaven knows, it were, perhaps, better that you should.' At this, I raised myself in bed, and opened my heart to the old man; telling him of our love and of her decision, owning my own horrors, my own passing fancies, but telling him that these were at an end; and with something more than a purely formal submission, appealing to his judgment.
He heard me very patiently and without surprise; and when I had done, he sat for some time silent.

Then he began: 'The church,' and instantly broke off again to apologise.

'I had forgotten, my child, that you were not a Christian,' said he.

'And indeed, upon a point so highly unusual, even the church can scarce be said to have decided.

But would you have my opinion?
The Senorita is, in a matter of this kind, the best judge; I would accept her judgment.' On the back of that he went away, nor was he thenceforward so assiduous in his visits; indeed, even when I began to get about again, he plainly feared and deprecated my society, not as in distaste but much as a man might be disposed to flee from the riddling sphynx.