“Where is he? Let me see him. I may be able to advise and help. Louise, dear Louise, let this terrible time of trial be that which brings us together. Let me prove to you how I love you by being your counsellor, your aid in this time of need.”
She heard his words, uttered with an earnestness which told their truth; but their effect was merely to arouse her indignation. How dared he take advantage of her agony and weakness at a time like this, and insult her with professions! It was an outrage.
“Don’t shrink from me,” he whispered. “I will say no more now. Forgive my clumsy blundering out of the words I have for months been longing to speak. Only let me feel that you understand me—that I may love; and then you will turn to me for help in this time of trouble.”
For answer she pointed to the door.
“It is false,” she cried; “my brother a common thief!”
“It must be false,” he echoed, against his own belief; “but the charge has been made, and he must be warned in time.”
“Warned in time?” she cried. “And you who profess to be our friend stood by and heard this charge made, and did not strike down the villain who made it.”
“Miss Vine—Louise, you are hasty. The shock I know is terrible, but we must be prepared to meet it. He must not be taken unawares.”
“My brother can meet such a charge as a gentleman should. It is not the first time that so foul an attack has been made against an innocent man.”
“You are too hard upon me,” he pleaded. “How could I, loving you as I do—”