Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN THE DARK. 93
"nor does he once allude," continued she, " to that
offensive note."
"This convinces me, he never was the author of
the scurrilous letter you refer to."
" Was it not in his own handwriting 1"
"I incline to the belief it was but a~ imitation j
this is a much bolder, and more elegant hand j beside,
the sentiments and style of the composition are so
much more like Alonzo I"
"But if not Carleton, who could have writt n the
former one 1"
"I dare not tell you, Arabella, on whom my suspicions
rest."
" I hope, not on father Dupin i"
" Ask me not, sister - he is a priest, and we must
try to believe him incapable of so wicked a thing."
"Shall we tell the Superior of this mysterious
affair 1"
" No - by no means - nor any of the inmates of
the convent j let us keep it a profound secret."
"No doubt, it will be the-better so."
" I am persuaded Alonzo loves me still, yet I know
not how he can I"
"And Maria still loves Alonzo."
"I deny it not."
" It seems to me, Anna Maria, I would almost risk
perdition for the sake of one I truly loved, and to
whom I had solemnly plighted my faith, as you have
to Carleton."