It had the desired effect.

Ellinor laid down her brush, and covered her face with her hand.

After a pause, she turned towards him and said: "I will tell you this; and more you must not ask me.

I know you are as safe as can be.

I am the girl, you are the lover, and possible shame hangs over my father, if something--oh, so dreadful" (here she blanched), "but not so very much his fault, is ever found out." Though this was nothing more than he expected, though Ralph thought that he was aware what the dreadful something might be, yet, when it was acknowledged in words, his heart contracted, and for a moment he forgot the intent, wistful, beautiful face, creeping close to his to read his expression aright.