So it was now, and as I stared down at the handkerchief, the Doubt
within me grow suddenly into Certainty. I was pacing restlessly up
and down when I saw Lisbeth approaching; her cheeks seemed more
flushed than usual, and her hand trembled as she gave it to me.
"Why, whatever is the matter with you?" she said; "you look so - so
strange, Dick."
"I received a letter from the Duchess this morning."
"Did you?"
"Yes; in which she tells me your aunt has threatened to - "
"Cut me off with a shilling," nodded Lisbeth, crossing over to the
table.
"Yes," I said again.
"Well?"
"Well?"
"Oh, for goodness' sake, Dick, stop tramping up and down like a - a
caged bear, and sit down - do!"
I obeyed; yet as I did so I saw her with the tail of my eye whip up
the handkerchief and tuck it beneath the laces at her bosom.
"Lisbeth," said I, without turning my head, "why hide it - there?"
Her face flushed painfully, her lips quivered, and for a moment she
could find no answer; then she tried to laugh it off.
"Because I - I wanted to, I suppose !"
"Obviously!" I retorted; and rising, bowed and turned to go.
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