"Punishment, punishment," she repeated
fearfully--"what punishment?"
"I do not quite know." Lines of pain grew deeper in his face. . . .
"Ruth, how much can a woman forgive?"
"A mother, everything." But she would say no more. He looked at her long
and earnestly, and said at last: "Will you believe in me no matter what
happens?"
"Always, always." Her smile was most winning.
"If things should appear dark against me?"
"Yes, if you give me your word."
"If I said to you that I did a wrong; that I broke the law of God, though
not the laws of man?"
There was a pause in which she drew back, trembling slightly, and looked
at him timidly and then steadily, but immediately put her hands bravely
in his, and said: "Yes."
"I did not break the laws of man."
"It was when you were in the navy?" she inquired, in an awe-stricken
tone.
"Yes, years ago."
"I know. I feel it. You must not tell me. It was a woman, and this other
woman, this Mrs. Falchion knows, and she would try to ruin you, or"--here
she seemed to be moved suddenly by a new thought--"or have you love her.
But she shall not, she shall not--neither! For I will love you, and God
will listen to me, and answer me.
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