You must remember they are my father and my brother.' "'I will not betray them,' said I.
"She smiled.

It was a wintry gleam but it ineffably softened her face.

I became conscious of a movement of pity towards her.
"'You have a hard lot,' remarked I.'Your life must be a sad one.' "She flashed upon me one glance of her dark eye.

'I was born for hardship,' said she, 'but--' and a sudden wild shudder seized her, 'but not for crime.' "The word fell like a drop of blood wrung from her heart.
"'Good heavens!' cried I, 'and must you--' "'No,' rang from her lips in a clarion-like peal; 'some things cut the very bonds of nature.

I am not called upon to cleave to what will drag me into infamy.' Then calmly, as if speaking of the most ordinary matter in the world, 'I shall never go back to that house we have left behind us, sir.' "'But,' cried I, glancing at her scanty garments, 'where will you go?
What will you do?
You are young--' "'And very strong,' she interrupted.