And whether he had suspicion or not of any thing at all like what I was describing, or any body having to do with it, was more than I ever might have known, if I had not gathered up my courage and put the question outright to him.

I told him that if I was wrong in asking, he was not to answer; but, right or wrong, ask him I must.
"The question is natural, and not at all improper," replied Lord Castlewood, standing a moment for change of pain, which was all his relief.

"Indeed, I expected you to ask me that before.

But, Erema, I have also had to ask myself about it, whether I have any right to answer you.

And I have decided not to do so, unless you will pledge yourself to one thing." "I will pledge myself to any thing," I answered, rashly; "I do not care what it is, if only to get at the bottom of this mystery." "I scarcely think you will hold good to your words when you hear what you have to promise.