“Fine business eavesdropping at the door of a room and listening to the confidences of two girls!” she cried, her face flaming. “I did not wish to hurt you, but this confession of yours has filled me with unspeakable contempt. If there is anything I detest it is a person who plays the sneak!”
He started as if struck in the face. It is possible he had not realized how contemptible his action would appear in her eyes, else he would not have told her he had listened.
“Don’t!” he cried.
But she had decided that to be merciless with him would be the greatest kindness.
“I want you to understand how hopeless your case is,” she said. “If I had never seen Frank Merriwell I could not care for you! If you were the last fellow in the world I could not care for you! You repel me!”
He lifted his hand, his fist clenched.
“Don’t!” he exclaimed hoarsely.
“I want you to know the exact truth, so you will not deceive yourself longer.”
He stood still, his eyes fastened on her. Silence fell between them.
She was the one who broke this silence.