Lieutenant Brant, I have
never even dreamed of such a thing. You had informed me that your
mission was one of peace, and he pledged me his word not to permit any
quarrel. I had the utmost confidence in you both."
"How, then, did she even know of our meeting?"
"I am entirely in the dark, as mystified as you," she acknowledged,
frankly, "for it has certainly never been a habit with me to betray the
confidence of my friends, and I learned long since not to confide
secrets to Miss Spencer."
Apparently neither cared to discuss the problem longer, yet he remained
silent considering whether to venture the asking of those questions
which might decide his fate. He was uncertain of the ground he
occupied, while Miss Naida, with all her frankness, was not one to
approach thoughtlessly, nor was the sword of her tongue without sharp
point.
"You speak of your confidence in us both," he said, slowly. "To me the
complete trust you repose in Mr. Hampton is scarcely comprehensible.
Do you truly believe in his reform?"
"Certainly. Don't you?"
The direct return question served to nettle and confuse him. "It is,
perhaps, not my place to say, as my future happiness does not directly
depend on the permanence of his reformation.
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