Strange to tell, it was he who drew away from it almost bashfully, and with new feelings.
Quite unaware that he played the feminine part, Wilfrid alluded to her flight from Richford, with the instinct to sting his heart by a revival of his jealous sensations previously experienced, and so taste the luxury of present satisfaction.
"Why did you run away from me ?" he said, semi-reproachfully.
"I promised." "Would you not break a promise to stay with me ?" "Now I would!" "You promised Captain Gambier ?" "No: those poor people." "You are sorry that you went ?" No: she was happy.
"You have lost your harp by it," said Wilfrid.
"What do you think of me for not guessing--not knowing who sent it ?" she returned.

"I feel guilty of something all those days that I touched it, not thinking of you.

Wicked, filthy little creature that I was! I despise ungrateful girls." "I detest anything that has to do with gratitude," Wilfrid appended, "pray give me none.

Why did you go away with Captain Gambier ?" "I was very fond of him," she replied unhesitatingly, but speaking as it were with numbed lips.

"I wanted to tell him, to thank him and hold his hand.