"And we should be grateful to her, and not malign her, should we not? But it is only right, Hubert, that I should know the truth."
"The truth? What is there to know?" said Hubert, relinquishing her hands and frowning heavily. "Flossy is absurdly wrong and mistaken, and Cynthia West is one of the noblest women in the world—that is all that I have to say. When I am a little stronger, Enid, it will be better if you will consent to marry me at once; then we can go away together and spend the winter in Egypt or Algiers."
He spoke hardily, determinedly. He had made up his mind to carry out his sacrifice, if Enid desired it, at any cost. He had, as the General would have said, returned to his allegiance.
Enid looked at him with a keenness, an intentness, which struck him as remarkable.
"Do you want me to marry you?" she said.
"Of course I do! Why else should I have asked you?" he returned, with all a sick man's petulance. "I want to get the ceremony over as soon as possible—as soon as you will consent. When shall it be!"
"One moment, Hubert. Tell me first what I want to know. Is Flossy right in saying that Cynthia loves you?"
"You may be quite sure that Flossy is infernally wrong in anything she says!" he answered.
He had never spoken so roughly to her before. She drew back for a second, and he immediately apologised.
"I beg your pardon, Enid; I am sorry to be so irritable. Think of me as a sick man still, and forgive me. But Flossy knows nothing of the matter."