"My dear Miss Gray, I do not doubt that, for an instant!" Maurice hastened to apologize; "more than that, Sidney has told me the same himself. But was he happy?"
"Have you any reason to think otherwise?" was Mattie's quick, almost suspicious question.
"Scarcely a reason, perhaps. Still I don't think that he was happy."
"I am sorry to hear you say so, Mr. Hinchford."
"He tried to feel as happy as you wished to make him, but I think he failed. Under the circumstances, heavily afflicted as he was, you must own that that was natural."
"I own that."
"But his mind was never at ease—there was much to perplex it. Now, Miss Gray," leaning over the counter very earnestly, "let me ask you if you honestly believe that he has given up every thought of making Harriet Wesden his wife?"
"Every thought of it, I think he has."
"You and he have been like brother and sister together, and the truth must have escaped him," said Maurice, doubtfully; "or you are less quick-witted than somehow I have given you credit for. You would promote his true happiness, Miss Gray, by every means in your power, I am sure?"
"Yes," answered Mattie.