" They
could hear the flutter of bird wings beyond the window and in the
stillness they got some understanding of each other. She turned
suddenly, and went to where he stood.
"Sidney," she said, "I am sorry--I am sorry if I have hurt you."
She lifted one of his hands and pressed her red cheek upon it
fondly. In a moment he spoke.
"Long ago I knew that you were doubting me, but I couldn't help
it," he said.
"It was that--that horrible secret," she whispered.
"I had no, right to your love," said he, "until--" he hesitated for
a little, "until I could tell you the truth."
"You loved somebody else?" she whispered, turning to him. "Didn't
you, now? Tell me."
"No," said he, calmly. "The fact is--the fact is I had learned
that my father was a thief."
"Your father!" she answered. "Do you think I care what your father
did? Your honour and your love were enough for me."
"I did not know," he whispered, "and I should have made my way to
you, but--" he paused again.
"But what?" she demanded, impatiently.
"Well, it was only fair you should have a chance to meet others,
and I thought you were in love with Roberts."
"Roberts! He would have been glad of my love, I can tell you
that.
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