In a moment the old man's wrath broke and vanished before the strong assertion of her perfect innocence.

He turned pale under his paint, and his limbs trembled.

He made a step forward, and fell upon his knees before her, and tried to take her hands.
"Oh, Corona, forgive me," he moaned--"forgive me! I so love you!" Suddenly his grasp relaxed from her hands, and with a groan he fell forward against her knees.
"God knows I forgive you!" cried Corona, the tears starting to her eyes in sudden pity.

She bent down to support him; but as she moved, he fell prostrate upon his face before her.

With a cry of terror she kneeled beside him; with her strong arms she turned his body and raised his head upon her knees.