"And you don't love me any more," she said, audaciously darting a wicked
look into his eyes, "only because I didn't marry you? And you think that
Christian?"

"You know I love you as I have loved you always," he said passionately.

"Hush!" she said mockingly; "suppose he should hear you."

"He knows it!" said Madison bitterly. "I told him all!"

She stared at him fixedly.

"You have--told--him--that--you STILL love me?" she repeated slowly.

"Yes, or I wouldn't be here now. It was due to him--to my own
conscience."

"And what did he say?"

"He insisted upon my coming, and, as God is my Judge and witness--he
seemed satisfied and content."

She drew her pretty lips together with a long whistle, and then leaped
from the table. Her face was hard and her eyes were bright as she went
to the window and looked out. He followed her timidly.

"Don't touch me," she said, sharply striking away his proffered hand.
He turned with a flushed cheek and walked slowly towards the door. Her
laugh stopped him.