Moore winced as though he had received a blow. Nevertheless his voice was clear and unfaltering as he answered:
"Winnie Farrell is married to the man of her choice. Surely there is no need to throw her name in my face when I tell you that I love you?"
"You told Winnie the same thing," said Bessie, coldly.
Moore gave an exclamation of pain.
"I 've explained that misunderstanding a score of times," he said, bitterly. "They tricked me that you might think me unworthy of your trust and so be persuaded to come to London. Like a fool I walked into the trap and you believed me faithless. On my honor, you wronged me, dearest. I 've loved but you Bessie; you are all in all to me, mavourneen. Won't you--can't you--believe me?"
"You are all in all to me, mavourneen."
Bessie's lips trembled as she averted her face, but her voice showed no signs of relenting as she answered:
"Whether you love me or not matters very little to me, Mr. Moore."
"The applause at Drury Lane has changed you, Bessie. You are like all the others; one glimpse of the footlights and the rest of the world may go hang."