'
'It was you spoke of her.'
'I told you you should not be here,--because of her and because of
me. And I tell you again. I hate her. Do you think I can hear you
speak of her as though she were the only woman you had ever seen
without feeling it? Did you ever swear that you loved anyone
else?'
'Certainly, I have so sworn.'
'Have you ever said that nothing could alter that love?'
'Indeed I have.'
'But it is altered. It has all gone. It has been transferred to
one who has more advantages of beauty, youth, wealth, and
position.'
'Oh Mabel, Mabel!'
'But it is so.'
'When you say this do you think of yourself?'
'Yes. But I have never been false to anyone. You are false to me.'
'Have I not offered to face all the world with you?'
'You would not offer it now?'
'No,' he said, after a pause,--'not now. Were I to do so, I should
be false. You bade me take my love elsewhere, and I did so.'
'With the greatest care.'
'We agreed it should be so; and you have done the same.'
'That is false. Look me in the face and tell me whether you do not
know it to be false?'
'And yet I am told that I am injuring you with Silverbridge.
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