‘Why, of course I shan’t!’
‘But—Miss Mutimer, I’m abusing confidence. Your brother trusts me; he’s done me a good many kindnesses. But I can’t help it, upon my soul. If you betray me, I’m done for. You won’t do that? I put myself in your power, and you’re too good to hurt a fly.’
‘What do you mean, Mr. Keene?’ Alice asked, inwardly pleased, yet feeling uncomfortable.
‘I can’t go away to-night without saying it, and ten to one it means I shall never see you again. You know what I mean. Well, harm me as you like; I’d rather be harmed by you than done good to by any one else. I’ve got so far, there’s no going back. Do you think some day you could—do you think you could?’
Alice dropped her eyes and shook her pretty head slowly.
‘I can’t give any promise of that kind,’ she replied under her breath.
‘You hate me? I’m a disagreeable beast to you? I’m a low—’
‘Oh dear, don’t say such things, Mr. Keene! The idea! I don’t dislike you a bit; but of course that’s a different thing—’
He held out his hand sadly, dashing the other over his eyes.
‘Good-bye, I don’t think I can come again. I’ve abused confidence. When your brother hears of it—. But no matter, I’m only a—a sort of crossing-sweeper in your eyes.’