Page 203 - The snake's pass

"
IN THE CLIFF FIELDS. 191
wrong they look, won't bear explanation of some kind ;
and the other is that an honourable man does not
grow crooked in a moment. Is there anything, Art, that
you would like to tell me?"
" There is, Dick ! I have a lot to tell ; but won't you
tell me what you wish me to speak about ? " I was just
going to tell him all, but it suddenly occurred to me
that it would be wise to know something of what was
amiss with him first.
" Then I shall ask you a few questions ! Did you
not tell me that the girl you were in love with was
"
not Norah Joyce ?
" I did ; but I was wrong. I did not know it at
the time—I only found it out, Dick, since I saw you
!
last
" Since you saw me last ! Did you not then know
that I loved Norah Joyce, and that I was only waiting
"
a chance to ask her to marry me ?
"I did!" I had nothing to add here; it came
back to me that I had spoken and acted all along
without a thought of my friend.
" Have you not of late payed many visits to Shlee-
nanaher ; and have you not kept such visits quite
"
dark from me ?
"I have, Dick."
"
" Did you keep me ignorant on purpose ?
" I did
! But those visits were made entirely on your
account."—I stopped, for a look of wonder and disgust
spread over my companion's face.