I can see that poor girl sitting alone in that house grieving her
heart out.'
'You think that we ought never to have given way!'
'I suppose we ought not. I tried very hard, you know I did.... But do you
regret?' she said, looking at him suddenly.
'No; I don't regret, but I wish it had happened otherwise.'
'You don't fear anything. Nothing will happen. What can happen?'
'The most terrible things often happen--have happened.'
'Emily may have been fond of me--I think she was; but it was no more than
the hysterical caprice of a young girl. Besides, people do not die for
love; and I assure you it will be all right. This is not a time for gloomy
thoughts.'
'I'll try not to think of her. Well, what were we talking about? I know:
about the actress who lived in 17 Fitzroy Street. Tell me about her.'
'She was a real good girl. If she hadn't lent me that five shillings, I
don't know where I should be now.'
'Were you very fond of her?'
'No; there never was anything of that sort between us. We were merely
friends.'
'And what has become of this actress?'
'You saw her to-night?'
'Was she acting in the piece we saw to-night?'
'It was she who played Lady Macbeth.'
'You are joking.
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