I shrugged. "I don't know. I have no reasons. You should be guided by your instinct."
"He is good to me," she said defiantly.
"Naturally, he sees his interest."
I can't remember all that was said on both sides. The conversation was sufficiently painful. She was no match for me. Finally she began to tremble.
"Why did you leave me?" she faltered. "I asked you to help me. You have avoided me all these weeks. I needed you. It's cruel and useless for you to come now, when it is too late and—and——"
"I have been working for you!" I cried. "I thought I could trust your instinct."
"I had no intention of marrying at first," she said. "You saw a while ago what was coming. Why didn't you speak then if you had anything to say. It's too late now."
"It's never too late if you have a doubt," I cried.
"But he—Alfred will be here at four," she stammered, "and the clergyman—and my friends——"
"Let Alfred go away again," I said coolly.