"I was wondering," he said, "why your feelings changed so suddenly in that interview, after you had quite made up your mind to—for the other thing."
"Don't know, I'm sure," said Lottie. "I can't think now what made me agree to the idea, even for a moment. Jack, would you have thought very badly of me if—"
"I think I know what it was," continued Pip, who had been following his own train of thought; "you must have been kee—fond of somebody else all the time, fonder than you really knew, and when the critical moment came, the thought of—of him, though you didn't know it, prevented you from making yourself cheap. Is that it? Don't answer if it isn't a fair question."
"Yes, Jack, it's a fair question."
"And am I right?"
There was a silence. Pip saw a rather strange look settle on the girl's face. Presently she answered, in a low voice,—
"I believe you are."
"Then why not—go to him?"
"Perhaps—perhaps he doesn't want me."
"Are you sure? Is it Jim Lister?"