Mr.Wilding bent his knee and went down beside her.
"I swear," he said impassionedly, "that as my wife you shall never count yourself a victim.

You shall be honoured by all men, but by none more deeply than by him who will ever strive to be worthy of the proud title of your husband." He took her hand and kissed it reverentially.

He rose and looked at her.

"To-morrow," he said, and bowing low before her went his way, leaving her with emotions that found their vent in tears, but defied her maiden mind to understand them.
The morrow came her wedding-day--a sunny day of early June, and Ruth--assisted by Diana and Lady Horton--made preparation for her marriage as spirited women have made preparation for the scaffold, determined to show the world a brave, serene exterior.

The sacrifice was necessary for Richard's sake.