“No--decidedly no! from my wife I have no secrets. I, who trusted her with my peace and honor, trust her also with all lesser matters; and to leave home for a month’s absence without informing her whither and wherefore I should go--Why, Marguerite, I hope you never really deemed me capable of offering you such an offence.” “Oh, God!--and yet you could do so, unquestioned and unblamed, as many men do!” “I could, but would not.” “While I--would but cannot. Well, that is the difference between us.” “Certainly, Marguerite, there is a difference between what would be fitting to--a profane man to a sacred woman--there is a ‘divinity that hedges’ the latter, through which she cannot break but to lose her glory.” “But in my girlhood I had unmeasured, irresponsible liberty. None dared to cavil at my actions.” “Perhaps so, for maidens are all Dianas. Besides, she who went ‘gypsying,’ year after year, could compromise only herself; now her eccentricities, charming as they are, might involve the honor of a most honorable family.” “Descendants of a pirate at best,” said Marguerite’s memory; but her heart rejected the change of her mind, and replied instead, “My husband, my dear, dear husband, my lord, idolized even now in his implacability;” her lips spoke nothing. “Much was permissible and even graceful in Miss De Lancie, that could not be tolerated in Mrs. Helmstedt,” continued Philip. “A great accession of dignity and importance certainly,” sneered Marguerite’s sarcastic intellect. “Away! I am his wife! his loving wife,” replied her worshiping heart; but her lips spoke not. “You do not answer me, Marguerite.” “I was listening, beloved.” “And you see this subject as I do?” “Certainly, certainly, and the way you put it leaves me no hope but in your generosity. Ah, Philip, be more generous than ever man was before. Ask me no questions, but let me go forth upon my errand, and cover my absence with the shield of your authority that none may venture to cavil.” “Confide in me and I will do it. I promise you, in advance, not knowing of what nature that confidence may be.” “Oh, Heaven, if--I cannot. Alas! Philip, I cannot!” “Why?” “The affair concerns others.” “There are no others whose interest and claims can conflict with those of your husband.” “I--have a--friend--in deadly peril--I would go to--the assistance of my friend.” “How confused--nay, great Heaven, how guilty you look! Marguerite, who is that friend? Where is he, or she? What is the nature of the peril? What connection have you with her or him? Why must you go secretly? Answer these questions before asking my consent.”