Volume VIII Part 18 (1/2)
”The worst criminal is not condemned without a hearing, and I have had none.”
No perceptible movement.
”We are none of us infallible in keeping appointments. We are liable to make mistakes occasionally. Had I known that Tuesday night was the night of the dance I'd have crossed to Jersey in a rowboat.”
The chin remained precipitously inclined.
”I am poor, and the case involved some of my bread and b.u.t.ter. The work was done at ten, and even then I did not discover that I had in any way affronted you. I had it down in my note-book as Wednesday night.”
The lips above the chin curled slightly.
”You see,” I went on, striving to keep my voice even-toned, ”my uncle is rich, but I ask no odds of him. I live entirely upon what I earn at law.
It's the only way I can maintain my individuality, my self-respect and independence. My uncle has often expressed his desire to make me a handsome allowance, but what would be the use ... now?”--bitterly.
The chin moved a little. It was too dark to see what this movement expressed.
”It seems that I am only a very unfortunate fellow.”
”You had given me your promise.”
”I know it.”
”Not that I cared,”--with cat-like cruelty; ”but I lost the last train out while waiting for you. Not even a note to warn me! Not the slightest chance to find an escort! When a man gives his promise to a lady it does not seem possible that he could forget it ... if he cared to keep it.”
”I tell you honestly that I mixed the dates.” How weak my excuses seemed, now that they had pa.s.sed my lips!
”You are sure that you mixed nothing else?”--ironically. (She afterward apologized for this.) ”It appears that it would have been better to come alone.”
”I regret I did not give you the address.”
”It is not too late.”
”I never retreat from any position I have taken.”
”Indeed?”
Then both our chins a.s.sumed an acute angle and remained thus. When a woman is angry she is about as reasonable as a frightened horse; when a man is angry he longs to hit something or smoke a cigar. Imagine my predicament!
When the cab reached Was.h.i.+ngton Place and came to a stand I spoke again.
”Shall I take the hat in, or will you?”
”We shall go together.”
Ah, if only I had had the courage to say: ”I would it were for ever!”
But I feared that it wouldn't take.
I rang the bell, and presently a maid opened the door.
”Is Monsieur de Beausire in?” I asked.