CHAPTER XXVII.
DOUBT.
It was a difficult matter for Maurice Kenyon so to word his report to Caspar Brooke as not to excite his displeasure
against Lesley. He felt himself bound to respect Lesley's confidences—if such they might be called—respecting the promise which kept her from returning his love; but he could not help a certain bitterness of tone in referring to his interview with her; and his friend observed the bitterness.
"What reason did she give for refusing you?" he asked sharply.
"I suppose she does not care for me."
"There is something else—to judge from your look. Perhaps there is—somebody else?" said Brooke.
"Well, I don't know that I'm doing right in telling you—but—God help me!—I believe there is," said Maurice, with a groan.
"She did not tell you who?"