He went out as he spoke, and Hilary was left alone with her lover.
CHAPTER V.
“For she was passing weary of his love.”
Iseult of Brittany.
Hilary looked up from her needle-work with a trembling heart, but a face of calm determination. She had made up her mind to speak.
“Mr. Huyton, this will not do; this must not be.”
“What, dear Miss Duncan?” sitting down close beside her as he spoke.
“I can not allow this; you must not suppose that if my father knew what has passed, he would act as he does now. He would see as plainly as I do, the impropriety of my undertaking what is done avowedly for such motives.”
“Impropriety! nay, you must not put it so strongly; surely there is nothing improper in my assisting to clothe the same children as you do; or even in my caring for them because they are objects of interest to you!”
“That is not what I mean; and indeed, I am sure you will not press your request, when I tell you that after the motive you assigned, it would be unpleasant to me to grant it.”