“Listen to me!” she said, with a sort of sternness. “This man—in the cottage—he’s blackmailing me. Because of something I did—something I’m sorry for—terribly, terribly sorry—”
“What will he take to keep quiet?[Pg 456]”
“Nothing. All he wants is to hurt and ruin me.”
“That’s not blackmail,” said Ross. “If he can’t be bribed—”
“Oh, what does it matter what you call it? He’s coming to-night, to tell—this thing—and Gayle will go away!”
“Look here!” said Ross. “Let him tell. If this Gayle of yours cares for you, he’ll stand by you. If he doesn’t, you’re well rid of him. No; just wait a minute! Don’t you see? You can’t lie to a man you’re—fond of. You—”
“I’m not going to lie. I’ll just say nothing. The thing is over, Jimmy; over and done with. Mustn’t I even have a chance? Jimmy, I’m young! I’m sorry—God knows I’m sorry for what I did—but it’s done. Nothing can undo it. Won’t you—won’t you let me have just a chance?”
“But look here! Even if the man didn’t come to-night, he’d come some other time. You don’t expect me to—”
He stopped short, appalled by the words he had not spoken. He looked at her, and in the gathering dusk he saw upon her white face that terrible, still look again.
“No!” he cried.