'Well, you should be very careful how you believe what you hear.'
'You know it's true!' said the girl, passionately.
'I know that it's possible to be mistaken.'
'I see! You're trying to shield him——'
'Why should I? What is it to me?'
'Oh-h, how you must love him!' she said with tears.
'I? Listen to me,' said Vida, gravely. As she drew up a chair the girl rose to her feet.
'What's the use—what's the use of your going on denying it?' As she saw Vida was about to break in, she silenced her with two words, 'Geoffrey doesn't.' And with that she fled away to the window.
Vida half rose, and then relinquished the idea of following the girl, seemed presently to forget her, and sat as one alone with sorrow. When Jean had mastered herself, she came slowly back. Not till she was close to the motionless figure did the girl lift her eyes.