Thinking that, if not acting, this remark conveyed a taunt, Annabelle said:
'You seem somewhat changed in way and manner since we saw each other last.'
'If so, I have had good reason therefor.'
'You were once gay enough, and happy too.'
'Happy when you made me so; but Heaven knows, Annabelle,' he exclaimed, with sudden emotion, 'that gaiety and pleasure have long been strangers to me.'
'So duplicity brings about its own punishment,' she replied, pointedly and pitilessly.
'Duplicity?' said he, looking up with a surprise that seemed at least genuine; 'I do not understand—you slighted my visits—returned my letters——'
'Good reason had I to do so. I had hoped we might avoid this subject——'
'Reason?' he queried, as her voice broke.
'Remember your mysterious friend,' said Annabelle, bitterly; 'she was not Blanche Gordon; so who was she—what was she? But I despise myself for asking!'