“This is a test, too,” said Félicia calmly. “You promised to trust me, and I mean to see what your trust is worth. I have suggested an explanation, and if you don’t choose to accept it, you can just go.”
“Only tell me that you were not at the Carnival.”
“I won’t say a word. And you make out to love me!”
“And I do. If I leave off loving you, it will be because you have killed my love with your own hands. You know I love you, Fay. Could I bear the way you treat me if I didn’t? Am I to stand all the tests and you none? Give me just that one assurance, and you won’t repent it. I shall be bowed down with shame.”
“I don’t see but I’d better ring for Jacques to show you out,” remarked Félicia conversationally, moving towards the bell.
“You don’t care for me! You can’t care for me!” cried Usk.
Félicia turned towards him again. “Solemnly, Usk, if I care for any one, I care for you, but I won’t be treated that way. I must be trusted all in all, or not at all. If you can do it, say so, and stay.”
Her hand was on the bell-rope. Her beautiful eyes looked sadly, entreatingly at him. There were tears ready to fall.
“I can! I do!” he cried. “Oh, Fay, you are cruel to me!”
“Cruel only to be kind,” said Mrs van Zyl, entering the room just as Usk’s arms were round Félicia. “I guess you’re in again, Fay? You’ll stay lunch, Lord Usk? We receive this afternoon.”