He shook his head.
“No; I couldn't, you see. You couldn't have helped me. You'd only have hindered me.”
“Hindered you?”
“Yes. You see, it was my love for—you, that I was fighting—then.”
Alice gave a low cry and flushed vividly; but Arkwright hurried on, his eyes turned away.
“Oh, I understand. I know. I'm not asking for—anything. I heard some time ago of your engagement to Calderwell. I've tried many times to say the proper, expected pretty speeches, but—I couldn't. I will now, though. I do. You have all my tenderest best wishes for your happiness—dear. If long ago I hadn't been such a blind fool as not to know my own heart—”
“But—but there's some mistake,” interposed Alice, palpitatingly, with hanging head. “I—I'm not engaged to Mr. Calderwell.”
Arkwright turned and sent a keen glance into her face.
“You're—not?”
“No.”