My earnestness, my apparent education, were clearly a surprise.
"Yes," she confessed reluctantly enough.

"I--I believe I can.

There was a time when I could not, but I can now." "Then yield me the benefit of such charity of judgment," I went on.
"At least do not altogether condemn me on mere circumstantial evidence, and before you learn what has led up to the events of the night.

At least give me opportunity to exhibit my gratitude." She remained silent, motionless.
"Why not?
Is it because you have no confidence in me ?" I insisted.
She put out one hand, grasping the iron rail of a fence, and I thought I could see her form tremble.
"Oh, no! it--it is not that exactly," she explained brokenly.

"I believe I---I might trust you, but--but of course I do not know.