"But if he were to go through this ordeal? It is a trial that would prove the noblest nature."
"It is. But there is another ordeal. Will you trust me?"
"Why, Hilarie! If I am to begin by distrusting you!"
Dick was present, and had brought his fiddle, on which he presently discoursed, to the joy of everybody except his distant cousin.
Later on Molly led Humphrey to "sit out" in the library, where two or three other couples were already occupied in the same selfish evasion of duty.
The young man was in a most ill temper—perhaps on account of Dick's presence—— He made no pretence at concealing this ill temper.
"I have every reason to complain," he said. "You avoid me; you will not answer my letters."
"I am waiting to give you your final answer."
"You gave that long ago."