"Ay. I spent some miserable days. No word came from her. It was over. Then it chanced that Cicely came to me. She was sympathetic, bright, and cheerful. She made me forget for a little while my despair. I have always been fond of her, I think that she has always been fond of me. You know the rest."
"You are going to marry Cicely Strong," Drexley said, slowly. "But you love Emily de Reuss?"
Douglas winced.
"I am afraid—that you are right," he said.
"And have you told Miss Strong," Drexley continued, "that you are proposing to marry her, but that you love another woman?" ''
Douglas looked up frowning. Drexley's tone had become almost contemptuous.
"Do you think that you are behaving fairly to her?" he asked. "Remember that she is not the child with whom you used to talk sentiment in your little Cumberland village. She is a woman now, with keen susceptibilities—as little a woman to be trifled with in her way as Emily de Reuss herself."
The two men faced one another. Douglas was angry with Drexley, angry too with himself.
"I believe you're right, Drexley," he said, with an effort, "but I'm hanged if I see what business it is of yours."
"It is the business of any man at any time," Drexley answered softly, "to speak for the woman whom he loves."