If I tell you why I wished to come alone, you might misunderstand; and if I refuse, then you will suspect wrong, and go away despising me." "I sincerely wish you might repose sufficient confidence in me as a gentleman to believe I never betray a trust, never pry into a lady's secret." "Oh, I do, Lieutenant Brant.

It is not doubt of you at all; but I am not sure, even within my own heart, that I am doing just what is right.
Besides, it will be so difficult to make you, almost a stranger, comprehend the peculiar conditions which influence my action.

Even now you suspect that I am deceitful--a masked sham like those others we discussed to-night; but I have never played a part before, never skulked in the dark.

To-night I simply had to do it." Her voice was low and pleading, her eyes an appeal; and Brant could not resist the impulse to comfort.
"Then attempt no explanation," he said, gently, "and believe me, I shall continue to trust you.

To-night, whatever your wish may be, I will abide by it.