"Mr. Whippleton would not be willing to return to Chicago, if he had been such a villain as you say."
"I don't think he would. That is really all the evidence I have that he has not been stealing his partner's money. I don't understand it; but if he will return to Chicago, that is all I desire. I prefer that he should settle the matter with your father."
"But he knew all about Mr. Waterford's plans," added she, turning away from me, though the gloom of the evening hid her blushes.
"Yes; he said he did. He told me that, if Mr. Waterford loved you, and you loved Mr. Waterford, he could see no reason why you should not be happy together, in spite of the prejudices of your father."
"I never consented to elope with Mr. Waterford. It is true that I listened to his proposal, several weeks ago; but I did not agree to it. He did not renew it when I asked for time to think of it. I don't love him now; I can't say that I ever did, though I was rather pleased with him. After this, I'm sure I shall always think more of a gentleman's character than of his looks and manners."
"I think the character is of vastly more importance," I replied, judging from observation rather than experience.
"Do you think Mr. Whippleton will come back, Philip?"
"Come back? Yes," I replied, rather startled by the question.
"He may take one of those boats, go on shore, and make his way across the state to the east."
"Then you think it is possible that I was not mistaken in regard to the accounts of Mr. Whippleton?"