“It looks as if you knew mother, but did not know me! I’m not at all romantic and I weigh things. When you gave up your post at the shipyard I saw you did not think for me——”
“The shipyard people sent me off,” said Kit.
“I am not a fool,” Evelyn rejoined. “You might have stayed and allowed the thief to be found out; but so long as you felt you were very noble, you were satisfied to leave me alone. A girl hates to be left alone, Kit. She expects her lover to admire her, to help her get all she wants and make life joyous. Well, I admit I like to be where people are; I like fashionable clothes, and I hate poverty. You knew, and you ought to have made some effort to get rich; but when you went to Canada you once more indulged your romantic vein. You didn’t bother about my waiting at dreary Netherdale, pitied, rather contemptuously, by my relations.”
“It looks as if I was selfishly careless, but until about a week since I couldn’t meddle. I didn’t know I would build the tanks, and my pay was small. The strange thing was, you thought Harry would see you out! I imagine he’s not rich.”
Evelyn was highly strung, and Kit’s coolness broke her control. She saw she had not yet hurt him much.
“Jasper Carson was your friend and meant to help, but you antagonized him. Harry seized the chance you rather scornfully refused. He’s your uncle’s manager.”
“Now I see!” said Kit, with a crooked smile. “Your object was to marry my rich uncle’s favorite? Well, since Ledward has knocked me out, there’s nothing to be said; but to know his personal charm hadn’t much to do with it is some comfort.”
Evelyn turned and faced him. Her skin was very white and her look was strained.
“You have some charm, Kit. Perhaps the trouble is, I have not much pluck. After all, I’m sorry——” she said, and signed him to go.
Kit went, and his emotions were very mixed. At length he knew Evelyn, and yet he felt she was sorry; he had sensed a note of sincere regret. Well, her remarks were justified, and he certainly was a fool; she was not the girl her lover ought to leave alone. Then he clenched his fists and frowned. For Evelyn’s sake he had tried to conquer his love for Alison, and when he thought Mrs. Haigh bullied her he had meant to carry her off. His anger vanished; he saw his heroic plan was humorous, and all he felt was relief. Evelyn was her mother’s daughter, and she had given him his freedom.