"Quick! what is it? In another moment I shall cry out!"
Hugh Ritson rose stiffly to his feet.
"Paul, did you tell Greta she was marrying a bastard?"
With one look of anguish Paul fell back mute and trembling.
"Did you tell her?" said Hugh, with awful emphasis.
Paul's eyes were on the ground, his head bent forward. He was silent.
"I thought you did not mean to tell her," said Hugh, coldly. His eyes looked steadfastly at Paul's drooping head. "I think so still."
Paul said nothing, but drew his breath hard. Hugh watched him closely.
"To marry a woman under a false pretense—is it the act of an honorable man? Is it a cheat? Give it what name you will."
Paul drew himself up; his lips were compressed, and he smiled.