“And if this were true?” said Hamilton, twirling his hat on the end of his cane.
“If it be—I—can—never trust any man again!”
“A most excellent general rule, at all events; we are in fact not worthy of trust, and your sister says I am not better than others, you know!”
“Is this your answer?” asked Crescenz.
“If you will consider it one I shall be infinitely obliged to you, for I am really at a loss what to say.”
“It is enough,” she said, turning away.
“Stay!” cried Hamilton, perceiving at length that something unusual had occurred. “Stay—and tell me quickly what is the matter. What have you been saying to Major Stultz?”
“He accused me of liking some—other—better than I liked him—and I did not deny it; he named you—and—and——”
“I understand,” said Hamilton, quickly; “and he told you that you were slighted. Come, I will explain everything to him satisfactorily.”
They entered the next room, but Major Stultz was no longer there.