"His manners may be engaging. His nature may be kind and affectionate, and she may have had proof of it."
"My nature is kind and affectionate. It may have been that, if you are determined upon having a reason for her fondness for me."
"She was fond of you?"
"Aye."
"Did she tell you so, and when?"
"Always when we were alone."
"We cannot have Madeline's evidence as to the feelings she entertained for you; but we can have the evidence of others who knew you both. Are you acquainted with Katherine Scherrer?"
"Not too well; we were never very intimate."
"She is a young woman a few years older than Madeline, and she warned Madeline against you. She herself had received instances of your brutality. Before you saw Madeline you made advances towards Katherine Scherrer."
"False. She made advances towards me. She asked me to be her lover, and now she speaks against me out of revenge."