We had seated ourselves on the sun-crisped Indian grass, and for
a while I let her chatter of Guy Park and our pleasant acquaintance
there, and of Albany, too, where we had met sometimes at the Ten
Broecks, the Schuylers, and the Patroons. And all the while I was
debating within my mind how this proud and handsome, newly-married
girl might receive my halting story. For it would not do to conceal
anything vital to the case. Her clear, wise eyes would see
instantly through any evasion, not to say deception— even a
harmless deception. No; if she were to be of any aid in this
deeply-perplexing business, I must tell her the story of Lois— not
betraying anything that the girl might shrink from having others
know, but stating her case and her condition as briefly and as
honestly as I
