conditions.

"Will you promise to keep what I tell you a secret from every
living creature?" she began.

Mrs. Crayford met that question, by putting a question on her
side.

"Does 'every living creature' include my husband?"

"Your husband more than anybody! I love him, I revere him. He is
so noble; he is so good! If I told him what I am going to tell
you, he would despise me. Own it plainly, Lucy, if I am asking
too much in asking you to keep a secret from your husband."

"Nonsense, child! When you are married, you will know that the
easiest of all secrets to keep is a secret from your husband. I
give you my promise. Now begin!"

Clara hesitated painfully.

"I don't know how to begin!" she exclaimed, with a burst of
despair. "The words won't come to me."

"Then I must help you. Do you feel ill tonight? Do you feel as
you felt that day when you were with my sister and me in the
garden?"

"Oh no."