"Take me," urged Val. "It's not--not only for your own sake, though of course that's what I'm thinking of most, but----"
"I must know first. I must make sure of the truth first."
"If you do, you'll give the show away. You ought never to let out that you know anything, and throw him over before he throws you. Then--there you are!"
"You mean that I must not unveil Paul's treachery? That he is to go unpunished?"
"You can't cut off your nose to spite your face, you know. Once you have a row with Paul the fat is in the fire, and it will be all over the place that he's jilted you."
"And for my own sister;" said she, bitterly.
She longed to rush to Leo, to Paul, to both severally or together, and denounce them. She could scarce restrain herself from proclaiming her wrongs upon the housetops, but--she paused and looked thoughtfully at Val. There was no doubt about Val's integrity. Up to his lights he was universally accounted "straight," and she need never fear being tricked and cheated a second time. He had acted well by her at this crisis, and to reward him? The idea grew in favour.
On the other hand, how terrible would be her position if she refused--and Position was a god she worshipped. She would be talked about, pointed at, and worst of all, pitied. Her ignominy--she could not face it.
"I say, Maud, you know I am fond of you?"
Yes, poor boy, he was fond of her; she had always felt complacently secure of his fondness, though occasionally nettled of late by misgivings as to his having transferred his first allegiance elsewhere. Leo had been bidden to Claymount oftener than she; and gran had made much of the younger sister, whereas she had always been cool and distant to the elder.
Maud, in her slow way, had resented this, and given herself considerable airs towards the old lady after her engagement. To triumph over her--over everybody--vindicate her own charms, and prove to the world the unswerving devotion of her old admirer would be something, would at any rate be better than nothing.
She sighed gently, and emboldened, he pressed his suit. A long interview closed with this decision. If satisfied as to the truth of his statements--but satisfied she must be--she would send for him next day, and--and do whatever he asked her.
