Frank was startled. It was quite evident that he was unprepared for any such topic. It seemed to frighten him. Else why that sudden change of countenance, that sudden dropping of Daisy's arm? Her heart fell.
"What of her?" asked Frank, quite sharply. For in truth he believed Daisy was about to question him, not of Rosaline herself, but of that mysterious rumour connected with her father and the Bottomless Shaft; and it grated terribly on all his nerves.
"I see it is true," gasped Daisy. "Oh! why did you marry me?"
"What is true?" returned Frank, unpleasantly agitated.
"That you—that you—were fond of Rosaline Bell. You loved her all along. Before you loved me!"
The charge was so very different from what he had been fearing, that Frank felt for the moment bewildered: bewildered in the midst of his inexpressible relief. He stood still, turned so that Daisy faced him, and gazed into her eyes.
"What is that you say, my dear? I really do not understand."
Daisy shook and shivered, but did not speak.
"That I love Rosaline Bell? I never loved her. What in the name of wonder put such an idea into your head?"
For answer Daisy burst into tears. "She—she was so beautiful!"