‘I believe I was beginning to love her—just when you were cold to me. You remember when?’
‘I do; and it was this coldness was the cause? Was it the only cause?’
‘No, no. She has wiles and ways which, with her beauty, make her nigh irresistible.’
‘And now you are cured of this passion? There is no trace of it in your breast?’
‘Not a vestige. But why speak of her?’
‘Perhaps I am jealous.’
Once more he pressed his lips to her hand, and kissed it rapturously.
‘No, Kate,’ cried he, ‘none but you have the place in my heart. Whenever I have tried a treason, it has turned against me. Is there light enough in the room to find a small portfolio of red-brown leather? It is on that table yonder.’
Had the darkness been not almost complete, Nina would scarcely have ventured to rise and cross the room, so fearful was she of being recognised.
‘It is locked,’ said she, as she laid it beside him on the bed; but touching a secret spring, he opened it, and passed his fingers hurriedly through the papers within.