Літо
VIII
Eventhenshehadregardedhimonlyinrelationtoherself,andhadneverspeculatedastohisownfeelings,beyondinstinctivelyconcludingthathewouldnottroubleheragaininthesameway.Butnowshebegantowonderwhathewasreallylike.
Hehadgraspedthebackofhischairwithbothhands,andstoodlookinghardather.Atlengthhesaid:“Charity,foroncelet’syouandmetalktogetherlikefriends.”
Instantlyshefeltthatsomethinghadhappened,andthatheheldherinhishand.
“WhereisMr.Harney?Whyhasn’thecomeback?Haveyousenthimaway?”shebrokeout,withoutknowingwhatshewassaying.
ThechangeinMr.Royallfrightenedher.Allthebloodseemedtoleavehisveinsandagainsthisswarthypallorthedeeplinesinhisfacelookedblack.
“Didn’thehavetimetoanswersomeofthosequestionslastnight?Youwaswithhimlongenough!”hesaid.
Charitystoodspeechless.Thetauntwassounrelatedtowhathadbeenhappeninginhersoulthatshehardlyunderstoodit.Buttheinstinctofself-defenseawokeinher.
“WhosaysIwaswithhimlastnight?”
“Thewholeplaceissayingitbynow.”
“Thenitwasyouthatputthelieintotheirmouths.—Oh,howI’vealwayshatedyou!”shecried.
Shehadexpectedaretortinkind,anditstartledhertohearherexclamationsoundingonthroughsilence.
“Yes,Iknow,”Mr.Royallsaidslowly.“Butthatain’tgoingtohelpusmuchnow.”
“Ithelpsmenottocareastrawwhatliesyoutellaboutme!”
“Ifthey’relies,they’renotmylies:myBibleoathonthat,Charity.
