God!—I call the spirit of the dead back on the wings of this storm to-night into this hall to witness when I swear to you that I am innocent of any knowledge of his death!"
"And there shall be not one's hadow between us?"
"Not one. Every secret of my life shall be laid bare before I'd dare claim you as my wife. I only beg to-night one word of love from your dear lips. You believe me when I swear to you, on my honour, my life, my love that I am innocent?"
"Yes, I believe and trust you!"
He bowed and kissed her fingers reverently.
"And now you must show that you trust me before I speak," she went on dreamily—"you are in reality the Chief of the Klan in North Carolina, are you not?"
John's hand trembled, his lips quivered, and a look of mortal anguish overspread his face.
"Please don't ask me that yet?" he begged.
"You are afraid to trust me?" she said reproachfully.
"I trust you implicitly," he cried, pressing her hand, but do not ask me now!"
"The hands of Southern women made those white and scarlet costumes," she persisted. "May I not share at least one of its secrets with them?"
"Remember that conditions have changed!"
