Madam, of your angelic goodness be pleased to answer, are you indeed the
wife of one I name not? If it be true, I will utterly withdraw my
intrusive presence. In pity, answer me.
It seemed many minutes I sat with this in my hand, and she dropt on her
knee at my feet, looking up in agony. Time passed and I heard my voice as
if it were another's, and strange to me.
"Madam, am I expected to disclose my secrets to one of whom I know not if
she tells truth? What are you to the Dean, and what proof do you give of
what you are, that I should answer?"