Mrs. Heilig gave him the names of several women. "It is known to all," she said.
His impulse was to rush out and trace down the lie to its author. But he soon realized the folly of such an attempt. He would only aggravate the gossip and the scandal, give the scandal-mongers a new chapter for their story. Yet he could not rest without doing something.
He went to Hilda—she had been most friendly toward him since the day he helped her with her lover. He asked her to walk with him in the Square. When they were alone, he began: "Hilda, you believe I'm your friend, don't you?"
She looked as if she feared he were about to reopen the old subject.
"No—I'm not going to worry you," he said in answer to the look. "I mean just friend."
"I know you are, Otto," she replied with tears in her eyes. "You are indeed my friend. I've counted on you ever since you—ever since that Sunday."
"Then you won't think wrong of me if I ask you a question? You'll know I wouldn't, if I didn't have a good reason, even though I can't explain?"
"Yes—what is it?"
"Hilda, is—is Mr. Feuerstein coming back?"
Hilda flushed. "Yes, Otto," she said. "I haven't spoken to any one about it, but I can trust you. He's had trouble and it has called him away. But he told me he'd come back." She looked at him appealingly. "You know that I love him, Otto. Some day you will like him, will see what a noble man he is."