"I have not the slightest wish to pry into the gentleman's secrets," he said, with growing anger. "My own interest in you is--simply that of a friend. You may not believe me, Miss Hale, but it is--in spite of the persecution I'm afraid I threatened you with at one time--but that is all given up; all passed away. You believe me, Miss Hale?"

'I have not the slightest wish to pry into the gentleman's secrets,' he said, with growing anger. 'My own interest in you is simply that of a friend. You may not believe me, Miss Hale, after the persecution I'm afraid I threatened you with at one time - but that is all passed away. You believe me, Miss Hale?'
