for telling it, since it would seem to bear out--what you said before. I
should only blame you--"

"Yes, Mademoiselle? You would only blame me--?"

"I should only blame you if--now that you know the truth--you didn't
correct the impression you have given."

"Are you going to begin on that again?" he asked, in a tone of
disappointment.

"I'm not beginning again, because I've never ceased. If I say anything
new on the subject, it is this--that it's time the final word was
spoken."

"I agree with you there; it _is_ time for that word; but you must speak
it."

There was a ring of energy in his voice which caused her to turn from
her contemplation of the fire and look at him. When she did he had taken
on a new air of resolution.

"I think it's time we came to a definite understanding," he went on,
"and that you should see how the matter looks from my point of view. You
speak of doing right, Mademoiselle, as if it were an easy thing. You
don't realize that, for me, it would have to be the last act but one in
life."

In spite of the shock, she ignored his implied confession, going on to
speak in the tone of ordinary conversation.