“I don’t know. I suppose it was fate.”
“Bosh! Who believes in fate? Don’t talk nonsense, man. I am horribly sorry for you, as sorry as I can be for a man who is my friend, but who has never trusted or confided in me; but I stand now toward the admiral and Myra in such a position that I cannot keep aloof and see them insulted—well, I will not say that—see their feelings hurt by the reckless conduct of a man who is in the wrong.”
“In the wrong?” said Stratton involuntarily.
“Yes, in the wrong. You have wronged Myra.”
Stratton sighed.
“And made her the wreck she is. I don’t say you could have made things better by speaking out—that is your secret—but I do say you could make matters better by keeping away.”
“Yes, I must go away as soon as possible.”
“You will, then?” cried Guest eagerly. “In the morning?”
“No; yes, if I can get away.”
“That’s quibbling, man; an excuse to get near and see her,” cried Guest angrily.