"I've said nothing about that yet. But you have not told me half your story. Why is Mr. Palliser going abroad in the middle of Parliament in this way?"
"Ah; now I must go back to the beginning. And indeed, Alice, I hardly know how to tell you; not that I mind you knowing it, only there are some things that won't get themselves told. You can hardly guess what it is that he is giving up. You must swear that you won't repeat what I'm going to tell you now?"
"I'm not a person apt to tell secrets, but I shan't swear anything."

"I've not agreed yet. But you have not told me half your story. Why is Mr. Palliser going abroad in the middle of Parliament?"
"Ah; now I must go back to the beginning. And indeed, Alice, I scarcely know how to tell you. You can hardly guess what he is giving up. You must swear that you won't repeat what I'm going to say?"
"I don't tell secrets."
