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280 and movement, was an infinitely lesser thing than this terrible stillness.

"I am not going to do anything. There is nothing to do. I have done too much, and I am not here to excuse myself. But it was necessary"

"She has no one. And she loves you. Do you think I could mistake there? Won't you have mercy on her because of that?"

He was pleading for a soul dearer to him than his own. Dick knew it; and knew too how that proud self which Tempest was now trampling in the dust would wake presently to recognise its hurt.

"I can have no more mercy on her than to leave her alone. I give you my word that I will do that. But I can't do more. If I could make you understand that it had to be done you were ruining your life"

Tempest's face was rigid, even to the eyes.

"What is that to you?" he said. "You who ruined your own life long ago? What has my life to do with you? How dared you interfere with my life?"

"Because I cared for you"

"You liar!" Tempest's low level tones did not change. "You did it because you cared for your own amusement. You did it because, as I was your friend, you knew that you could have your fun and I would never suspect. You did it because you do not know how to live an honest and honourable life. And then you shield yourself behind me. What has my life to do with you? I am responsible to my God for it—not to you."

He stood very still, with his hand on the table, and his eyes never left Dick's face. Dick was whiter than Tempest, because there was no anger in him to harden him; only a deep grief for himself and for this man.

"Your life means a great deal to me, Tempest. And to Canada"

"Ah? To Canada also?" The little sneer was not like Tempest. "That is complimentary, perhaps, but not convincing."

"Upon my honour"

"Again complimentary, but not convincing," said Tempest.