“You are presuming, sir!” she flashed, haughtily. “I have no desire for your censorship.”
“No, my lady; your own conscience will be quite enough to bear with!”
He jumped to his feet and turned toward the door.
“At least,” he said, “let us part friends. I have nothing but pity for you, Lady Elaine.”
His tender tones were more than she could bear, and for a little while she wept unrestrainedly.
“If you had cared for him as I believed,” he went on, but she interrupted him with a passionate cry.
“Love him! I worship my darling with all the strength of my being! Oh, colonel, my pride is broken—the barrier is swept away! I will send a message to him to-day!”
“Can I tell him this?” he asked, joyously.
“No. You must grant me the favor of not doing so. You can say that you have seen me, but no more. Promise, colonel!”
“Very well; I will obey my lady’s behest,” he said, reluctantly. “When will you send this blessed relief to a tortured soul?”