There was a pause, while Mr. Wellworth gazed upon the maiden’s steadfast, thoughtful face. She reasoned with herself; she struggled with herself. It occurred to her to say, “My correspondent is a gray-haired man, whom I have never set eyes upon.” But immediately, she reflected. “No, this may put suspicion upon the true scent; I must say nothing.” “Well, Margaret, what have you to answer to this charge?” “Nothing, sir.” “Nothing?” “Nothing.” “You admit it, then?” “I neither admit nor deny it!” “Margaret, this will never do. Are you aware that you seriously imperil, nay, more, that you gravely compromise your good name?” Her pale cheek grew paler than before, the tightly-clasped fingers trembled, the compressed lips sprang quivering apart, and then closed more firmly than ever. It had occurred to her to say: “But this correspondence is solely a business affair, with one of whom I have no personal knowledge whatever.” But then came the reflection: “If I give them this explanation, this ever so slight clue, these worldly-wise people will follow it up until they unravel the whole mystery, and I shall have proved myself a cowardly traitor to her confidence. No, I must be dumb before my accusers!” “You do not speak, Margaret.” “I have nothing to say, sir!” “Ah, dear Heaven! I see that I must not ‘prophesy smooth things’ to you, my girl. I must not spare the truth! Listen, then, Miss Helmstedt: Your name has become a byword in the village shops! What now will you do?” It was on her pallid lips to say: “I will trust in God;” but she said it only in her heart, adding: “I must not even insist upon my innocence; for if they believe me, they will be forced to find the right track to this scent.” “Margaret Helmstedt, why do you not answer me?” “Because, sir, I have nothing to say.” “Nothing to say?” “Nothing--nothing to say!” “Listen to me, then. You seem to have some regard for your betrothed husband. You seem even to understand the duty you owe him! Think, I beg you, what must be the feelings of a proud and honorable man like Ralph Houston, on returning to this neighborhood and finding the name and fame of his affianced bride lightly canvassed?” It was piteous to see how dark with woe her face became. Her hands were clenched until it seemed as though the blood must start from her finger nails; but not one word escaped her painfully-compressed lips. “I ask you, Miss Helmstedt, when Ralph Houston returns to this neighborhood and hears what I and others have heard--what do you suppose he will do?” “He will do his own good pleasure; and I--I shall submit,” said the maiden, meekly bowing her head. But then in an instant--even as though she had heard Ralph’s voice in her ear--there was a change. Her beautiful head was raised, her color flushed brightly back, her dark eyes kindled, flashed, and she replied: