His voice trembled. She heard a stifled sob. He had turned away to conceal his emotion.
And now came greatness indeed to the front. Instead of drawing herself up with the bitter pride of a woman whose best is scorned, Alexa behaved divinely. She went close to Andrew, laid her hand on his arm, and said:
“Forgive me, Andrew. I made a mistake. I had no right to make it. Do not be grieved, I beg; you are nowise to blame. Let us continue friends!”
“Thank you, ma'am!” said Andrew, in a tone of deepest gratitude; and neither said a word more. They walked side by side back to the house.
Said Alexa to herself:
“I have at least been refused by a man worthy of the honor I did him! I made no mistake in him!”
When they reached the door, she stopped. Andrew took off his hat, and said, holding it in his hand as he spoke:
“Good-night, ma'am! You will send for me if you want me?”
“I will. Good-night!” said Alexa, and went in with a strange weight on her heart.
Shut in her room, she wept sorely, but not bitterly; and the next day old Meg, at least, saw no change in her.