Duffel boiled with internal rage at this remark; but suppressing his anger, he conducted his allies out of the room, gave them some directions, and then returned to impose his unwelcome presence and conversation upon Eveline, who had no means of avoiding him, but was compelled to hear his words.
"I hope," said he, "you are now satisfied of the truth of my declaration, that Hadley is dead."
"He may be; but I say now, as I said before, I do not know that he is; but admitting that he is dead, what difference does it make?"
"Why not much, it is true, and I think I took the liberty of saying so yesterday. I only wish, by proving the certainty of this event, to show you the folly of continuing longer to set your affections upon him, provided you have been doing so heretofore."
"And suppose I should cease to remember him, what would that avail you?"
"I would then hope to be able to convince you of my own deep love, and in so doing of exciting a kindred sentiment in your own bosom."
"Have you the presumption to believe that I could be brought to such a state of degradation of feeling, now that I know who and what you are, when I rejected you under far more favorable circumstances? If you have, let me at once tell you, that in this instance, as in many others, your vanity has led you to entirely over-estimate your ability to please. Perhaps some of my sex might be silly enough to listen to your well-turned speeches, but I can assure you the less you speak to me of love the better."
"People often change their minds."
"So they do; but I think you have pretty good reason to believe that I am not particularly liable to be charged with that failing."
"Well, no, I believe I cannot charge you with that weakness; but I am sure you are very obstinate for one of your sex, which is not usually adjudged to be among the amiable characteristics of a lady."