Having dispatched the message by a safe bearer, she hastened to her room to remove as well as possible all traces of her terrible agitation. Florian should not know the real truth of the broken engagement.
She would make him think that the sight of him had reawakened all the old love in her heart.
Oh, yes, she would punish false, cruel Philip in the bitterest fashion! Pride enthroned itself in her heart.
The messenger returned swiftly, but Florian did not come. He had sent a note, that she tore open with eager fingers:
“Miss Van Lew,—I decline with contempt the offer to fill a truant bridegroom’s place to-morrow. I have no doubt he has deserted you in disgust at learning your treachery to me, and I rejoice at your misfortune!
“Florian Gay.”
CHAPTER XVIII.
“I DROVE POOR VIOLA TO HER DEATH!”
“Was ever any beautiful, thoughtless young girl more cruelly punished for the fault of coquetry?” thought Viola, as she buried her hot, burning face in her hands, her heart swelling with rage against Florian and Philip.
“I hate them both!” she sobbed, miserably, in her bitter defeat, not comprehending yet the full enormity of the conduct that had roused her two lovers to resentment.