`` Oh , that ca n't be . I am not fit to be your wife . '' `` Do n't talk nonsense , dear , '' he smiled . `` It is n't nonsense . You are a minister and it would ruin you to marry a girl like me . Think what the Rexton people would say of it . '' `` Rexton is n't the world , dearest . Last week I had a letter from home asking me to go to a church there . I did not think of accepting then -- now I will go -- we will both go -- and a new life will begin for you , clear of the shadows of the old . '' `` That is n't possible . No , Alan , listen -- I love you too well to do you the wrong of marrying you . It would injure you . There is Father . I love him and he has always been very kind to me . But -- but -- there 's something wrong -- you know it -- some crime in his past -- '' `` The only man who knew that is dead . '' `` We do not know that he was the only man . I am the daughter of a criminal and I am no fit wife for Alan Douglas . No , Alan , do n't plead , please . I wo n't think differently -- I never can . '' There was a ring of finality in her tone that struck dismay to Alan 's heart .
He prepared XXXXX entreat and argue , but before he could utter a word , the boughs behind them parted and Captain Anthony stepped down from the bank .
Alan Douglas Rexton for from in like of that to