He shook his head, seeming unable to speak.
"Tell me what it is. Tell me what I did to hurt you," she commanded.
He faced her again, looking deep into her blue eyes.
"You called up the past, Elsie," he said, in a low tone. "I can't forget that once I thought Frank loved you—and you loved him. You've confessed a feeling of jealousy toward Inza."
"Oh, no, no, no!" she said quickly. "You didn't understand me, Bart—truly you didn't! It was not the sort of jealousy you mean. I'm not jealous of her because she is Frank's wife—never! never!"
He seemed puzzled.
"Then what did you mean—what did you mean?" he asked.
"Why, can't you understand? Can't you see how it is? Fortune or fate, or whatever you may call it, has been against me—against us, Bart. Have you forgotten how we planned on a double wedding? Have you forgotten——"
"Forgotten?" cried Hodge. "I should say not! It was the bitterest disappointment of my life! You know I urged you, Elsie—I used every persuasion in my power."
"But I could not consent. I was an invalid, and I feared my health would never return."