You ask questions of the stranger without any consideration."
But she spoke to an unconscious auditor; and Forrester, though still
almost speechless, now interposed:--
"Let her ask, mother--let her ask--let her know it all. He can say what
I can not. He can tell all. Speak out, 'squire--speak out; don't fear
for me. It must come, and who can better tell of it than you, who know
it all?"
Thus urged, Ralph, in a few words, related the occurrence. Though
carefully avoiding the use of epithet or phrase which might color with
an increased odium the connection and conduct of Forrester with the
affair, the offence admitted of so little apology or extenuation, that
the delicacy with which the details were narrated availed but little in
its mitigation; and an involuntary cry burst from mother and daughter
alike, to which the hollow groan that came from the lips of Forrester
furnished a fitting echo.
"And this is all true, Mark--must I believe all this?" was the inquiry
of the young girl, after a brief interval.
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