‘My heart’s in my mouth,’ said she.
Colonel Poltermore still had the privilege of conducting her the few farther steps to her lodgings.
Caseldy walked beside Chloe, and silently, until he said, ‘If I have not yet mentioned the subject—’
‘If it is an allusion to money let me not hear it to-night,’ she replied.
‘I can only say that my lawyers have instructions. But my lawyers cannot pay you in gratitude. Do not think me in your hardest review of my misconduct ungrateful. I have ever esteemed you above all women; I do, and I shall; you are too much above me. I am afraid I am a composition of bad stuff; I did not win a very particularly good name on the Continent; I begin to know myself, and in comparison with you, dear Catherine——’
‘You speak to Chloe,’ she said. ‘Catherine is a buried person. She died without pain. She is by this time dust.’
The man heaved his breast. ‘Women have not an idea of our temptations.’
‘You are excused by me for all your errors, Caseldy. Always remember that.’
He sighed profoundly. ‘Ay, you have a Christian’s heart.’
She answered, ‘I have come to the conclusion that it is a Pagan’s.’