Victor seemed content to allow the girl to consider his offer as he turned back towards Sarah. The foolishness of his guise seemed to fade away as his face took on a more weathered yet caring look.<br/>“Dearest Sarah, I hope you take no offense that I did not ask you along on this adventure. I fear for your safety. Please understand I don’t question your virtue in the least, and consider you far purer than the driven snow.”   Victor looked  away, almost ashamed. “Perhaps, if I get this fortune, we could pursue the depths of our friendship.”