"I know," I said humbly enough, "I deserve this, no doubt; and yet, if you knew all, you would find excuses for me, Lurana!"
"None, Theodore," she said; "if you had really loved me, you would never have deserted me!"
"I could not help myself," I retorted; "and really, Lurana, if it comes to desertion——!"
"Ah, what is the use of wrangling about whose fault it was," she moaned, "now, when we have both wrecked our lives! At least, I know I've wrecked mine! Why was I so insane as to set my heart on our being married in a den of disgusting lions? If you had only been firmer, Theodore, instead of giving way as you did!"
"At least it was not cowardice," I said. "When I show you the state of my chin——"
"Theodore!" she cried, with a little scream, "you are hurt! Tell me; was it the tiger?"
"It was not the tiger," I said. "Never mind that now. I was betrayed by that infernal Onion, Lurana. I never knew till it was too late—you do believe me, don't you?"
"I do; we were both deceived, Theodore. I should never have acted as I did if that horrid Frenchwoman hadn't told me—Oh, what would I not give if all this had never been?"
"If you are truly sincere," I began, "in wishing this unlucky marriage cancelled——"