“There is no flattery in a plain unadorned truth,” said he, hastily.
“And were it all as you say,” rejoined she, speaking with a heightened color and a flashing eye, “how could such circumstances be linked with those you spoke of?”
“Easily enough, if I did but dare to tell it,” was his reply.
“It is too late for reserve; go on freely,” said she, with a faint sigh.
Jekyl resumed,
“Mr. Dalton knows there are thousands could have told him so that his daughter may be a princess to-morrow if she wishes it. She has but to choose her rank and her nationality, and there is not a land in Europe in whose peerage she may not inscribe her name. It is too late for reserve,” said he, quickly, “and consequently too late for resentment. You must not be angry with me now; I am but speaking in your presence what all the world says behind your back. Hearing this, and believing it, as all believe it, what is there more natural than that he should address himself to her at whose disposal lie all that wealth can compass? The sun bestows many a gleam of warmth and brightness before he reaches the zenith. Do not mistake me. This request was scarcely fair; it was ill-advised. Your freedom should never have been jeopardized for such a mere trifle. Had your father but seen with his own eyes your position here, he would never have done this; but, being done, there is no harm in it.”
“But what am I to do?” said Kate, trembling with embarrassment and vexation together.
“Send the money, of course,” said he, coolly.
“But how from what source?”
“Your own benevolence, none other,” said he, as calmly.