Don't protest, for really I do not wonder at it, or blame you in the least.
How could you think otherwise?
My position was a strange one, bound to awaken suspicion; my conduct immodest.

Yet you must accept my explanation, for I shall tell the truth.

I was never guilty of such an act before--never! Perhaps because I was never tempted.

There is a home I could return to, and a mother, but they are more than a thousand miles from here.

But I cannot go, even if I possessed the means, because of my pride--my false pride possibly.