am 'base-born.' Your Uncle Hugo has let all the village folk think
I am his illegitimate child--and that is 'base-born' of itself.
Oh, it is cruel! Even you thought so, didn't you?"

Robin hesitated.

"I did not know, dear," he answered, gently--"I fancied--"

"Do not deny it, Robin!" she said, mournfully. "You did think so!
Well, it's true enough, I suppose!--I am 'base-born'--but your
uncle is not my father. He is a good, upright man--you can always
be proud of him! He has not sinned,--though he has burdened me
with the shame of sin! I think that is unfair,--but I must bear it
somehow, and I will try to be brave. I'm glad I've told you all
about it,--and you are very kind to have taken it so well--and to
care for me still--but I shall never marry you, Robin!--never! I
shall never bring my 'base-born' blood into the family of
Jocelyn!"

His heart sank as he heard her--and involuntarily he stretched out
his arms in appeal.

"Innocent!" he murmured--"Don't be hard upon me! Think a little
longer before you leave me without any hope! It means so much to
my life! Surely you cannot be cruel? Do you care for me less than
you care for that old knight buried under his own effigy in the
garden? Will you not think kindly of a living man?--a man who
loves you beyond all things? Oh, Innocent!--be gentle, be
merciful!"