I vowed to myself that I would not be the first to allude to
it My pledge, however, went no further, and I am now released from its
obligation. Let us talk of him freely."

"No, Joseph, I had rather not. When he was leaving this, it was his last
wish that his name was not to be uttered here. We gave him our solemn
promise, and I feel sure you will not ask me to forget it."

"I have no means of knowing by what right he could pretend to exact such
a promise, which, to say the least, is a very unusual one."

"There was no question of a right in the matter. Mr. Calvert was here
as our friend, associating with us in close intimacy, enjoying our
friendship and out confidence, and if he had reasons of his own for the
request, they were enough for us."

"That does not satisfy me, Florence," said he, gravely.

"I am sorry for it I have no other explanation to give you."

"Well; I mean to be more explicit. Has he told you of a correspondence
that passed between us?"

"Once for all, Joseph, I will not be drawn into this discussion.
Rightfully, or the reverse, I have given my word, and I will keep it."

"Do you mean to say that to any mention of this man's name, or to any
incident in which it will occur, you will turn a deaf ear, and not
reply?"

"I will not speak of him."

"Be it so. But you will listen to me when _I_ speak of him, and you will
give my words the same credence you accord to them on other things. This
is surely not asking too much?"

"It is more, however, than I am willing to grant."

"This becomes serious, Florence, and cannot be dismissed lightly. Our
relations towards each other are all but the closest that can bind
two destinies. They are such as reject all secrecy--all mystery at
all events. Now, if Mr. Calvert's request were the merest caprice, the
veriest whim, it matters not The moment it becomes a matter of peace of
mind to me it is no longer a trifle."

"You are making a very serious matter of very little," said she, partly
offended.

"The unlimited confidence I have placed, and desire still to place, in
you, is not a little matter. I insist upon having a full explanation."

"You insist?"

"Yes, I insist Remember, Florence, that what I claim is not more my due
for my sake than for your own. No name in the world should stand between
yours and mine, least of all that of one whom neither of us can look on
with respect or esteem."

"If this be the remains of some old jealousy--"

"Jealo