"Elinor," he cried, "you believe me, surely? Miss Darrell has always hated you, and this is her revenge."
"Lady Darrell," said the girl, "I am ashamed of my hatred and ashamed of my desire for vengeance. There is no humiliation to which I would not submit to atone for my faults, but every word I have said to you is true."
Once more with troubled eyes Lady Darrell looked from one to the other; once more she murmured:
"Heaven help me! Which am I to believe?"
Then Captain Langton, with a light laugh, said:
"Is the farce ended, Lady Darrell? You see it is no tragedy after all."
Pauline turned to him, and in the light of that noble face his own grew mean and weak.
"Captain Langton," she said, "I appeal to whatever there is of good and just in you. Own to the truth. You need not be afraid of it—Lady Darrell will not injure you. She will think better of you if you confess than if you deny. Tell her that you were led into error, and trust to her kindness for pardon."
"She speaks well," observed Lady Darrell, slowly. "If you are guilty, it is better to tell me so."
He laughed again, but the laugh was not pleasant to hear. Pauline continued: