Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/61

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THE OTHER HOUSE
47

had passed between us, it was only fair to say to you———"

"That you've ceased to trust me?" Tony interjected.

"By no means. I don't give and take back." And though his companion's handsome head, with its fixed, pale face, rose high, it became appreciably handsomer and reached considerably higher, while she wore once more the air of looking at his mistake through the enlarging blur of tears. "As I believe you did, in honour, what you could for Mr. Beever, I trust you perfectly still."

Tony smiled as if he apologised, but as if also he couldn't but wonder. "Then it's only fair to say to me———?"

"That I don't trust Miss Martle."

"Oh, my dear woman!" Tony precipitately laughed.

But Rose went on with all deliberation and distinctness. "That's what has made the difference—that's what has brought me, as you say, round to a sense of my possible use, or rather of my clear obligation. Half an hour ago I knew how much you loved her. Now I know how much she loves you."