Driven to Bay, Volume III

He drew nearer to her, on that invitation, and took her hand in his. Iris trembled slightly, but she did not withdraw it.

‘The worst thing I have to accuse myself of, with regard to you, Vernie, is that I deceived you on our first meeting, by letting you believe I was a widow. But I was frightened into the deception. I did not know what else to say. You asked me why I was masquerading on board the _Pandora_ under the name of Douglas, and it was impossible for me to tell you _then_. Now, things have gone so far, that I feel I must confide in some one, and I know you will respect my confidence.'