"Negative virtues! Had I been a brute you would have gone. I might have had the night nurse for twenty-four hours. I dared not run the risk of letting you go."
"I've come out pretty well in your estimation? That's a feather in my nice, white cap," she said.
"I wonder why I care what you think of me?"
"I do not know, Mr. Huntter, except that we all care for the good opinion of those who wish us well."
"You wish me well?"
"With all my heart."
"I'd like"—Huntter turned his face toward the window and the glorious winter day—"I'd like to be worthy of every well-wisher. I feel quite the good boy this morning. I've been—well, I've been rather up against it, I fear, and a trial to you, for all that you say to the contrary; but I am going to make amends to you—and the world! Now, when my friend comes, you won't mind if I ask you to leave us alone for a few moments? I can call you when I need you."
"Yes, Mr. Huntter."
"The lady is—you may have guessed—my fiancée. I have important things to say to her, and——"
Priscilla's heart beat madly. She felt she was near a deeper tragedy than any that had ever entered her life. And just then, as the clock struck the half hour, came a tap on the door: