There was a moment’s blank silence, then Amber heard him murmur, in a voice of bitter anguish:
“God have mercy on poor Violet and me!”
“I should think that you would curse her!” burst forth Amber, indignantly.
With a sigh from the bottom of his heart, he cried:
“No, I cannot curse sweet Violet, for I can enter somewhat into her feelings, and I know that villain taunted and tempted her, or she would not have lost faith in me so quickly! Oh, Heaven, why could she not trust my love a little longer?”
“It looked so strange—the delay you know—for we knew the train had come in, and we could think of no reason for your absence,” reminded Amber.
“No one could have thought of such a reason, no one could have suspected such a fiendish deed!” he cried, warmly. “Oh, Amber, how it will pain and grieve your gentle heart to hear this new proof of Judge Camden’s wickedness!” he almost groaned.
“Oh, what has grandpapa done? Tell me quickly, for I cannot bear the suspense!”
Her eager eyes scanned his face closely, taking in all its agony without one throb of remorse at her hard heart. She even smiled to herself at the accomplishment of all her plans, remembering that not only had she secured her revenge on Cecil and Violet, but gained a large sum of money for her treachery.
While she waited anxiously, he said: