A gentle pressure on her arm seemed to assent, and she went on:—
“It was only at the last moment that I determined to come here this evening. You have deceived me. Yes; don't deny it. Paten is with you here, and you never told me.”
He muttered something that sounded like apology.
“It was unfair of you,” said she, hurriedly, “for I was candid and open with you; and it was needless, besides, for we are as much apart as if hundreds of miles separated us. I told you already as much.”
“But why not see him? He alone can release you from the bond that ties you; he may be more generous than you suspect.”
“He generous! Who ever called him so?”
“Many who knew him as well as you,” cried he, suddenly.
With a bound she disengaged her arm from him, and sprang back.
“Do not touch me; lay so much as a finger on me, and I 'll unmask and call upon this crowd for protection!” cried she, in a voice trembling with passion. “I know you now.”
“Let me speak with you a few words,—the last I shall ever ask,” muttered he, “and I promise all you dictate.”