"That's not answering my question."
"Suppose I deny that I was looking at you. You have not condescended to glance at me yet."
"You had better not deny it."
"Well, then, to tell you the truth, as I find I always must, I was looking for some trace of mercy. I was thinking whether I could venture to ask forgiveness for being more of a brute than Dapple yesterday."
"Have your words troubled you very much?"
"They have indeed."
"Well, they've troubled me too. You think I'm heartless, Mr. Morton;" and she arose and went to her piano.
I followed her instantly. "Won't you forgive me?" I asked; "I've repented."
"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Morton. You know as well as I do that I'm the one to ask forgiveness."
"No, I don't," I said, in a low, passionate tone. "I fear you are grieving about what you can't help."