"You seem to know him?" she said.
Margrete reflected for a moment, then answered: "Yes. I am older than you, older than Jörgen, too. But in Christiania I also, to my shame be it spoken, was infatuated with him. This he discovered—and tried to take advantage of." She laughed.
Mary turned pale, rose, and walked to the window. The wind was lashing the rain against the panes with ever-increasing force. She remained for a few moments gazing out into the storm, then came and stood in front of Margrete, agitated, restless.
"Will you promise me never to tell any one what we have spoken about to-day—under any circumstances whatever?"
Margrete looked at her in surprise. "You wish me to tell no one that you have asked me about Jörgen Thiis?"
"It is my express desire that no one should know it."
"Do you mean any one in particular?"
Mary looked at her. "Any one in particular?" She did not understand.
Margrete rose. "A man came to this town on purpose to tell you that Jörgen Thiis was not worthy of you. He came too late; but I think he deserves to know that you have discovered for yourself what Jörgen Thiis is."
Mary answered, eagerly: "Tell him. By all means tell him!... So that was why he came," she added slowly. "I am glad that you have told me. Because my other reason for wishing to see you was—" she hesitated a little, "the other thing I wanted to ask you was—to give my kind remembrances to your brother."