"I know that Powell thought there was some one trifling with her affections. It was on that subject that he begged for the interview with you. I have never asked any questions about that interview, but I have guessed since, from many little signs and tokens, that the person he had in his mind was young Errington."
"Yes."
"Then the matter cannot be serious. He was little more than a boy when he left Whitford."
"But Rhoda was turned nineteen when Algernon went away."
Diamond started eagerly forward, with his hand on the arm of the chair, and fixing his eyes anxiously on her face, said:
"Minnie, tell me the truth! Do you think she cares for him?"
It was the first time he had ever addressed Minnie by her Christian-name; and she marked the fact with a chilly feeling at the heart. "You ask for the truth?" she said, sadly. "Yes; I do think so."
Diamond leant his head on his hand for a minute in silence. Then he raised his face again and answered, "Thank you for answering with sincerity. But I knew you would do no otherwise. This feeling for Algernon must be half made up of childish memories. I cannot believe it is an earnest sentiment that will endure."
"Nothing endures."
"If I know myself at all, my love will endure. I am a resolute man, and do not much regard external obstacles. The only essential point is, can she ever be brought to care for me?"