I know I've been a fool; but what is to be done?"
"Lord Hartledon," was the grave rejoinder, "I am unable to give you
advice in this. Your conduct is indefensible."
"Don't 'Lord Hartledon' me: I won't stand it. Carr?"
"Well?"
"If you bring up against me a string of reproaches lasting until night
will that mend matters? I am conscious of possessing but one true friend
in the world, and that's yourself. You must stand by me."
"I was your friend; never a truer. But I believed you to be a man of
honour."
Hartledon lifted his hat from his brow; as though the brow alone were
heavy enough just then. At least the thought struck Mr. Carr.
"I have been drawn unwittingly into this, as I have into other things. I
never meant to do wrong. As to dishonour, Heaven knows my nature shrinks
from it."
"If your nature does, you don't," came the severe answer. "I should feel
ashamed to put forth the same plea always of 'falling unwittingly' into
disgrace. You have done it ever since you were a schoolboy. Talk of the
Elster folly! this has gone beyond it. This is dishonour. Engaged to one
girl, and corresponding with her; making hourly love for weeks to
another! May I inquire which of the two you really care for?"
"Anne--I suppose."
"You suppose!"
"You make me wild, talking like this. Of course it's Anne. Maude has
managed to creep into my regard, though, in no common degree.
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