"Not even that Cynthia cares for you?"
A deep flush rose to his face.
"You should not ask me. It is the last thing that I can tell," he said, with the same sharpness of tone.
"Then tell me another thing, Hubert. Do you not care for her?"
"Yes—a great deal. She has been a kind friend—an excellent nurse—and I am grateful to her. Enid, I do not like to think that you believe me to be untrue to you."
She took his hand in hers and kissed it—a movement which discomposed him exceedingly.
"I did not think for one moment that you would desert me, Hubert, if I wanted you to perform what you had promised."
"Enid, what do you mean? Of course I shall perform what I have promised. Has Flossy been making you jealous and suspicious? My dear, believe me, there is no occasion for you to be so. You are very dear to me, and I will be faithful to you always. You shall never have cause to complain."
"Yes, I know," she said gently. "You are very good, Hubert, and you would not for the world do what you think to be a cruel thing. But would it not be better for you to be perfectly open with me? If you care for Cynthia West, would it not be better even for me that you should marry the woman whom you love?"
She looked at him and saw his face twitch. Then he shook his head.