Had he, after all, been too coldly calculating about this human creature of his own flesh and blood?
Was there some insurmountable barrier grown up from his action?
For the first moment in his life he was filled with doubt and fear.
"Zara," he said, anxiously, "tell me, dear child, what you mean?
I let you go on in the 'cheat,' as you call it, because I knew you never would consent to the bargain, unless you thought it was equal on both sides.

I know your sense of honor, dear, but I calculated, and I thought rightly, that, Tristram being so in love with you, he would soon undeceive you, directly you were alone.

I never believed a woman could be so cold as to resist his wonderful charm--Zara--what has happened?
--'Won't you tell me, child ?" But she sat there turned to stone.

She had no thought to reproach him.
Her heart and her spirit seemed broken, that was all.
"Zara--would you like me to do anything?
Can I explain anything to him?
Can I help you to be happy?
I assure you it hurts me awfully, if this will not turn out all right--Zara," for she had risen a little unsteadily from her seat beside him.

"You cannot be indifferent to him for ever--he is too splendid a man.