Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/188

 "Indeed I should, very much," I answered quietly, recovering myself suddenly.

There was silence for a moment.

"I think I know," said he boldly. "I am sure you would be surprised if you knew how well I have read your thoughts for the last few weeks. In the first place, you imagined that Thurber was in love with your cousin."

An expectant pause, but I made no reply.

"Then you thought that he hesitated after you told him that story about your uncle."

Still I maintained an imperturbable silence.

"These two things combined to make you doubt him. It is natural for you to doubt. You made up your mind that he was not as much in love with you as he might be; and you have ruined his happiness and your own for a freak. Do you suppose I have not seen how much you care for him?"

Very calmly George spoke these words; and although they struck me like a thunder-clap, his self-control communicated itself to me. It was a little absurd, too, to be told so quietly that I was in love with this other man. George's cold, clear voice, informing me calmly of the condition of my heart! I spoke quietly in reply, though I was more inclined to laugh than do anything else.

"Are you not rather hasty in your judgment?"

"Possibly; but as you refuse to tell me why you would not have Thurber, I am forced to judge simply by appearances."