The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE HAWK AXD THE DOVE. 171
with the fact itself, which the past makes
more than probable."
"It has everything to do with it,"
answered Iolande, impatiently; "who is
your informant ?—I have a right to know,
both to test your statement and also be-
cause my personal safety is concerned."
"I assure you, sister, my authority is
trustworthy, and I believe him to be honest,
and in a position to know the truth of the
case."
"Ah, Ardoine, there is some mystery!
I suspect there is something wrong; I
always thought you were so guileless and
inexperienced in the ways of the world;
but, perhaps, like all our fashionables at
Turin, you have got your lover, and that
with all your professions you are not much
better than they. I see it is a man, for
you spake twice of ' him 5
and ' his name.' "
" Oh, how can you make such a wicked
speech?" said Ardoine, bursting into tears.
" There, as you have sworn to keep the