injured you deeply?"

"It may be so; but why not let her go? What good can it do to pursue her
with vengeance? Perhaps she has repented. How wicked, then, to destroy her
peace of mind."

"Dream not that such as she will ever repent. But to satisfy you on this
point, I can say, _I know she has not changed from what she was_; and it is
this knowledge that, above all things, urges me on in my plans."

"Well, what do you wish me to do?"

"Listen. I have just learned that this girl, in company with her family,
will be in town to-day, on their way to Ohio or Kentucky, and will put up
at this house. Now I wish you to so place the young lady, that I can have
access to her sleeping apartment; this is all."

"I cannot do it."

"You can; I will take number eighteen for the night; put her in seventeen,
and it is all I ask. I am sure this is easily done."

"And thus bring about my own shame and her dishonor?"

"I tell you she is already dishonored; and instead of bringing shame upon
yourself, you take it away forever."

"Do not tempt me to do wrong! Alas, I have done too much evil already! I
pray God I may be forgiven!"

"Come, now, be a good girl, and do me this _one_ favor; it is the last I
shall require of you until I give you my name."

"I cannot. Such conduct would disgrace our house."

"It need not be known."

"It is hard to prevent such things being spread abroad."

"I will take care of that point. Your house shall not be injured one
particle by the occurrence, I give you my word for it. Now do you consent?"

"Perhaps you still love this girl, and are trying to deceive me."

"I swear that I do not, that I love only you."

"Why, then, seek the society of this other?"

"I have sworn it, as I have already told you; and this oath _must_ be
performed. Will you aid me or not?"

"I cannot. I pray you again, do not tempt me!"

"But you _must_ help me. I cannot do without you."

"For God's sake say no more! Every feeling of my heart revolts at the
thought! Just think, for a moment, what it is you ask of me! Think what
would be my feelings! Love is incompatible with your request. How can I see
you debase yourself and me by such an act?"

"I only desire you to decide between this and a worse debasement. Which
will you choose?"

"What mean you?"

"That I will only marry you on condition you will accede to my present
proposition."

"Have you not told me, time and again, that you looked upon me as your wife