Page:The Fate of Fenella (1892).djvu/202

 "Yes. To all things."

She went close to him.

"That is not true," she said. "You are befriending me now, yet you distrust me."

"I? No! You are thinking of that wretched trial!" He spoke with extreme agitation. "But I have heard all."

"All??"

"Yes! All. And if ever a man craved another's pardon upon his knees, I crave yours."

"All?" repeated she faintly. She seemed to have heard that one word only.

"Yes," said he. He let his voice sink to a whisper, he leaned toward her. "Who killed De Mürger?" asked he.

"It is true!" said he presently, when she had told him all. "It is true that the world still produces heroines. It is now more imperative than ever that Lord Francis should be found."

"For what?" said she. "Do you think I should betray him now—even now? Ah! Mr. Jacynth, you do not know me. No! I shall go to my grave bearing this burthen. After all"—sadly—"he once did love me!"

"If he has gone off with that woman again I don't see why you should spare him," said Jacynth. "But, as I have said, I hope for the best about that. In the meantime"

She interrupted him.