No! I would scorn myself if I had a doubt of her
innocence! and if such a thing might be possible, I would die rather
than be forced to believe it! I will tell her this very day what I have
heard, but I will not degrade myself, or forfeit her trust, by asking
her if it can be so!"
"Be calm, my dear friend," said Mrs. Santon; "compose yourself, I pray
you, and take my advice in the matter. Say nothing of what you have
heard to any one, but come here to-morrow morning at ten, when the
Signor will make his appearance, and from a private window, opening from
the conservatory, you may, unknown to any one, witness for yourself the
truth of what I have said."
"I will follow your advice, inasmuch as I will reveal to no one what I
have heard, until I become like myself," said Delwood, endeavoring to
compose himself as he heard the light step of the Sea-flower in the
hall; and as she entered, he arose to depart, pleading a slight
indisposition as an apology for his abruptness.
The calm, spiritual eyes of Natalie looked out upon him, as he walked
rapidly down the street, for she could not but notice an estrangement in
his manners; but she did not mistrust that an arrow, poisoned by sin in
its vilest form, had been aimed at his heart.
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