I
somehow felt that nothing could harm you. I was reckless--I didn't
know what I was doing--I don't understand myself any more.
Please--please forgive me, or I shall not sleep to-night."
"Certainly," he said lightly, "if you will not refer to our little
episode again."
"Please don't speak in that way," she sighed, turning away.
"I have complied with your request."
"I suppose I must be content," she resumed sadly. Then turning her
head slowly toward him she added hesitatingly: "Will you forgive
me for--for treating your friend--"
"No," he replied, with such stern emphasis that she shrank from
him and trembled.
"You are indeed heartless," she faltered, as she turned to leave
him.
"Miss Van Tyne," he said indignantly, "twice you have charged me
with being heartless. Your voice and manner indicate that I would
be unnatural and unworthy of respect were I what you charge. In
the name of all that's rational what does this word 'heartless'
mean to you? Where was your heart when you sent my friend away so
wretched and humbled that he is virtually seeking the death from
which you are so glad to escape?"
"I did not love him," she protested faintly.
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