Or does the secret wear on you, and--Mr.
Hungerford?
Was it necessary to seek HIS help in keeping it ?" I told her then the true history of Hungerford's connection with Boyd Madras, and also begged her pardon for showing just now my knowledge of her secret.

At this she said, "I suppose I should be grateful," and was there a slightly softer cadence to her voice?
"No, you need not be grateful," I said.

"We are silent, first, because he wished it; then because you are a woman." "You define your reasons with astonishing care and taste," she replied.
"Oh, as to taste!--" said I; but then I bit my tongue.
At that she said, her lips very firm and pale, "I could not pretend to a grief I did not feel.

I acted no lie.

He died as we had lived--estranged.