In Accordance with the Evidence

by Oliver Onions

Then she began to tremble. She grasped the edge of the seat with her hand so that I should not see how she shook.

"Jeff," she said, in a low voice, "if you never want to see me again—I can't blame you if you don't—not after this."

I waited.

"Not that I shouldn't always, always love you. It will be my punishment—I shall have to bear it."

Still I waited.

"Yesterday it was you who offered it—now it's me—it will serve me right."

I thought she would never go on. "You mean our engagement, of course?" I said.

"Yes," she gulped.

"Why?" I asked suddenly.

"Because—because of what I've been beast enough to believe of you, Jeff."