I was so anxious to do so as soon
as possible, that I ventured to break in upon you even at this
unseasonable hour. You will guess that I had powerful reasons."
The Tresilyan threw back her haughty head, as a war-horse might do at
the first blast of the trumpet: she scented battle in the wind.
"Will you be good enough to explain yourself?" she said, as she took her
own seat again, and motioned him into another; "I am sure you would not
trifle with me, or vex me unnecessarily."
Waring did not avail himself of the chair indicated, but crossed his
arms over the back of it, and stood so, regarding her intently.
"You only do me justice there," he replied; "I will speak briefly, and
plainly too. I came here from Nice to ask you how much truth there is in
the reports that couple your name with Major Keene's?"
No one likes to give the death-blow to the loyalty of a faithful
adherent, be he ever so humble; and Cecil was bitterly pained that she
could not speak truly, and satisfy him. Her face sank lower and lower,
till it was buried in her hands. Nothing more was needed to convince
Waring that his worst fears were realized; for a moment or two he felt
sick and faint.
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