Read "Because of Conscience" by Amy Ella Blanchard online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
It was one day a week or so later that Alaine came upon Madam pacing the floor in deep thought. She looked up as the girl came in. "My son arrives to-night," she said, abruptly, "and I have been thinking will it be best that he meet you as girl or boy. If as boy, you would best not appear at table; if as girl, we must announce the cause of the masquerade to him and to the rest of the household."
"Oh, madam, permit me to keep in the background," returned the girl. "I would much rather it should be so; and if we take up our journey again, it will be best that I do not alter my dress till I am safe at home; you remember that we decided so."