"Why, it was a bargain, sweet. He was to try his luck, and then I mine. I was so sure of you, you see!"
She released herself from his embrace, and again covering her face with her hands, she shivered.
"What have you done?"
"It was this way; let me unfold the tale. I went to Mr. Ash and told him what you know: how all my life was centred in my love for you. He told me that just before I came another man had brought to him the self-same tale."
"Surely not quite the same? Surely he did not say that all his life was centred in his love for me?"
"No, not exactly that! Yet, sweet, why not? For who shall know you and not love you as his life? But at least another man had come to him who wished to win your hand--that priceless hand! And he had given him his word. So it was agreed that he should try his fortune first, and if he failed--I knew that he would fail!--I should try mine. And if I won--ah, how I longed to win!--Mr. Ash would crown success with his consent."
Silence reigned again. They stood a little way apart, he with his eyes fixed on her face, she with hers upon the ground.
"What have I done?" The words were whispered in an undertone. Then she looked up at him with a sudden fire in her eyes. "Do you know what I have done? I have promised this other man to be his wife."
"What! Good God! Lily! what do you mean?"
"He asked me to be his wife. I said I would. I thought that you were false, you see."